Marcos wants funding for construction of big dams

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. vowed to provide sufficient funds for the National Irrigation Administration's programs, particularly the construction of large dams.

During a meeting with NIA officials at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, Marcos stressed the importance of building huge dams, not only for irrigation but also for other purposes.

"The big dams. We need to have that," Marcos said, referring to NIA funding under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

"The P22 billion, that's in the GAA, P22.882 [billion], that's in the GAA. Palagay ko mayroon pa tayong savings diyan," he added.

The Presidential Communications Office said the P22 billion was congressional insertion that is part of the 2025 GAA

The PCO also said that under NIA's 2025 programs, activities, and projects, the agency allocated P20.84 billion for the Pump Irrigation Sub-Program and P7.88 billion for Stage 2 of the Ilocos Norte - Ilocos Sub-Abra Irrigation Project (INISAIP).

For his part, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen outlined the agency's objectives to enhance irrigation efficiency, ensure continuous operation of existing irrigation service areas, and maintain current irrigated lands.

Guillen also highlighted plans to improve service roads along irrigation canals.

''The PAPs will incorporate technological interventions and modernization of irrigation systems to mitigate the effects of climate change,'' he said. —RF, GMA Integrated News