MANILA - National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Guillen emphasized on Thursday that the agency’s transfer to the Office of the President (OP) is vital for fulfilling the government's food security goals. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had previously ordered the transfer of NIA from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the OP under Executive Order No. 69.

According to Philippines News Agency, Guillen highlighted during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing that the move showcases the President’s commitment to achieving food security, which is part of his 8-point economic agenda. Guillen explained that irrigation plays a critical role in ensuring food security, and placing NIA directly under the OP will speed up processes related to irrigation projects and other related initiatives.

The shift is expected to streamline the coordination of large-scale projects in partnership with other agencies, including the DA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Guillen noted that the transfer could reduce processing times by two to three months, significantly accelerating project implementation.

The NIA currently has projects in place for irrigation and water management that cover approximately 1.2 million hectares of irrigable land. Guillen also expressed optimism about increasing the country’s agricultural output, particularly for rice and corn, through adjusted cropping calendars. The NIA plans to initiate another cropping season in October to boost production across the country.