Piñol Hopes DA Regains Control of NIA

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol has expressed optimism that an executive order (EO) facilitating the return of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) under the control of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will be issued within the year.

Piñol said President Rodrigo Duterte and Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. have already agreed that NIA should be given back to DA.

“I’m just waiting for the EO of the President. I would hope so (it will be signed within the year),” he told reporters.

Piñol believes that NIA is a vital component of the Philippine agriculture.

The Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (PAFSAM) has oversight responsibilities for the four agencies which were formerly under the purview of the DA: the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the National Food Authority (NFA), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the NIA.

Former Senator Francis Pangilinan was named as the first PAFSAM, which was created on May 5, 2014 by former President Benigno S. Aquino III.

“I can live without NFA, I can live without PCA, I can live without FPA. Agriculture can go on functioning,” Piñol added.

The agriculture chief said giving free irrigation to the Filipino farmers is a commitment made by President Duterte. (PNA) RMA/LDV