Zamboanga del Norte solon slams NIA over meager irrigation budget

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong (3rd District) slammed the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for allocating a meager P7 million to his district in the proposed 2027 budget, calling it “appallingly disproportionate” compared to the funds given to neighboring Zamboanga del Sur. Amatong assailed the NIA allocation, pointing out that the amount is insufficient for the irrigation facilities that are vital for the agricultural productivity and welfare of his constituents. He stressed that the proposed budget for his district is far from adequate to address the needs of the province's agricultural sector. The solon urged the NIA to ensure a more equitable distribution of funds and to consider the actual needs of the provinces when crafting the national budget. The Philippines relies heavily on its agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population and contributes substantially to the national economy. Irrigation plays a critical role in ensuring food security and boosting agricultural output. However, disparities in the allocation of resources for irrigation development and maintenance have been a persistent issue, often leading to complaints from farmers and local officials in underserved regions. Amatong's statement underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring that development funds are distributed fairly across the country and that the specific needs of each region are adequately addressed. The NIA is expected to respond to these criticisms and may need to review its allocation strategy for the upcoming fiscal year.