President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has earmarked more than P63 billion for irrigation projects in 2026, betting that water infrastructure will be the catalyst for higher farm output and a more resilient rural economy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Mahayag Dam and the turnover of solar-powered pump irrigation systems in Zamboanga del Sur, Marcos said irrigation is “one of the foundations of more abundant harvests and a more stable economy.”
The P63-billion allocation will bankroll projects under the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), focusing on expanding coverage, upgrading aging systems, and rolling out modern equipment. The push forms part of a broader P300-billion agriculture budget for 2026.
Over P33 billion of the budget has been earmarked for the Department of Agriculture to fund farm-to-market roads, including P370 million for Zamboanga del Sur. Another P731 million has been set aside for small-scale irrigation projects, targeting underserved and remote farming communities.
Priority areas include major rice- and corn-producing provinces and high-value crop hubs, particularly those with farmers listed under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
Marcos also pledged continued support for access to technology, training, and other services to improve productivity and incomes.
The scale of spending signals a clear policy pivot toward hard infrastructure as a hedge against food inflation and climate volatility.
Irrigation, often overlooked in favor of subsidies, offers a more durable productivity boost—especially as El Niño cycles grow more severe.
The challenge, however, lies in execution. Historically, delays, cost overruns, and maintenance gaps have blunted returns on similar projects. If agencies deliver on schedule and integrate irrigation with logistics and market access, the investment could materially lift yields.
