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Marcos to NIA: Listen to farmers' needs

Marcos to NIA: Listen to farmers' needs

GMA Network02-06-2025
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has tasked the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to listen to the concerns of farmers and use wisely the farm machinery being provided by the government.
''Kaya po ang hiling ko sa lahat ng kawani ng NIA, ingatan, alagaan, at gamitin ninyo ang mga sasakyan at pasilidad nang wasto,'' Marcos said in his speech Monday.
(My request to NIA employees is to take care and use properly the vehicles and facilities.)
''Saksi ako sa inyong sipag [sa] paglilingkod sa ating mga magsasaka. Ngunit, hiling ko sa inyo na paigtingin pa ang inyong pagsisilbi. Makinig sa kanilang mga hinaing,'' he added.
(I'm a witness in your hard work when it comes to serving our farmers. I'm requesting that you strengthen your service. Listen to their needs.)
Marcos told NIA to immediately address the needs of local farmers.
The President led the ceremonial turnover of 229 newly procured operations and maintenance equipment and vehicles under the third tranche of the NIA's Re-fleeting Program at Barangay Wawa in Taguig City.
This program supports the President's directive to fast-track irrigation project development as part of broader efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector.
As the country faces the effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions, including the El Niño phenomenon, the enhanced fleet enables NIA to respond more effectively to the growing demands of irrigation service delivery.
The said agency currently manages 257 National Irrigation Systems and 8,802 Communal Irrigation Systems. The NIA is responsible for the repair, operation and maintenance of major canals and irrigation infrastructure. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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