​SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian has called for additional irrigation funding to boost agricultural productivity and achieve long-term food supply. Gatchalian issued the statement after inspecting the Balog-Balog Multi-Purpose Project Phase II in Tarlac, a flagship initiative of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). The P18-billion infrastructure project is designed to irrigate approximately 34,000 hectares of farmland and directly benefit an estimated 21,000 farmers in Central Luzon. In addition to irrigation, the project includes flood control and a power generation component, ensuring a stable water supply even during prolonged dry spells. Despite its scale and expected long-term benefits, only P641.67 million has been allocated for the project this year under the General Appropriations Act — an amount that NIA and stakeholders consider insufficient to sustain its progress toward its target completion date in March 2029. “In site visits, we see the importance of these projects. Now that we hear the people’s complaints, I will ensure that the budget for the irrigation project will not be cut, but rather, it will be increased,” he said. The senator stressed that irrigation infrastructure is vital to stabilizing crop yields, reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate variability and enhancing overall food security. “We want a win-win solution. Farmers win, communities win, our food security wins,” he added. The Philippines continues to face challenges in agricultural productivity due to climate risks, rising input costs and supply chain disruptions. Policymakers have identified irrigation modernization as a key strategy to improve farm output, reduce dependence on imports and promote rural economic growth.