The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) estimated that PHP 220 billion is required annually to irrigate 1.2 million hectares of farmland and achieve rice self-sufficiency in the Philippines.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen presented this projection during the Joint Committee on Murang Pagkain hearing at the House of Representatives on December 19, 2024. He underscored the urgent need for improved irrigation infrastructure to address the nation’s growing dependence on rice imports.
Guillen highlighted that while the cost of expanding irrigation systems is high, it is a necessary investment to increase palay (unmilled rice) productivity and reduce the reliance on imported rice.
“Our agricultural productivity is really low. So, one key to increasing our productivity level is through irrigation,” Guillen said.
With adequate funding, the target of irrigating 1.2 million hectares could be achieved within the next decade. The Marcos administration has pledged to improve the agricultural sector, including plans to irrigate at least 45,000 hectares of new farmland in 2025.
Guillen provided a breakdown of irrigation project costs. Traditional irrigation systems require around PHP 1.2 million per hectare and take approximately three years to become operational. Solar-powered pump irrigation systems (SPIPs) are more affordable, costing between PHP 200,000 and PHP 300,000 per hectare. Repairing old and damaged irrigation structures costs about PHP 500,000 per hectare.
Despite the critical need for irrigation investment, NIA’s 2025 budget was reduced by 25%, from PHP 92.5 billion to PHP 69.3 billion under the General Appropriations Bill.
Guillen expressed concern over the budget cut, given the significant costs associated with improving irrigation infrastructure. He remains hopeful that the bicameral committee will reconsider the reduction, emphasizing that substantial investment in irrigation is vital to achieving rice sufficiency in the Philippines.
