MANILA, Nov. 20 -- The proposed PHP54.79-billion budget of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for 2026 is designed to strengthen the country's irrigation network and ensure reliable water supply needed to sustain agricultural productivity, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said Thursday.

Presenting the budget before the Senate, Pangilinan said every major item in the spending plan supports the construction, rehabilitation, expansion and monitoring of irrigation systems.

"Irrigation is the most powerful force multiplier in Philippine agriculture. Kung walang tubig, walang tutubo (If there is no water, nothing will grow)," he said.

He said the proposed budget restores National Expenditure Program-level funding for the Irrigation Restorat...