MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday stressed that irrigation projects would help the country address the intensifying effects of El Niño while urging for speedy development of the watering system for local farms.
Marcos made the pronouncement during the inauguration of the Bambalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (BSRIP) in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, which he said is set to benefit about 560 farmers and their families.
Initially, the BSRIP was part of the DA and NIA’s efforts to boost rice productivity in Nueva Ecija, but Marcos noted how it would prove to be vital amid the effects of El Niño.
“I wish to emphasize that this project will help address the effects of El Niño. We must be prepared to counter its effects, which may last until the second quarter of 2024,” said Marcos in a speech.
“So we remind once again the DA (Department of Agriculture) and the NIA (National Irrigation Administration) to immediately complete the construction of irrigation facilities as well as other supporting structures based on the needs of our farms,” he added.
Marcos said that the national government has already generated around 25,000 hectares of new irrigation areas and restored nearly 9,000 hectares of irrigable lands as it aims to establish more than 275,000 hectares of new irrigation areas and restore around 80,000 hectares of existing irrigation areas by 2028.
“Kailangan natin gawin ang lahat ng kaya nating gawin para tayo’y makapaghanda para sa ating magiging tagtuyot na baka umabot ng 2nd quarter of 2024,” said Marcos.
(We must do everything possible to prepare for the drought that may extend until the 2nd quarter of 2024.)
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