Partylist representatives Anthony Bravo and Cresente Paez (COOP-NATCCO) have proposed the abolition of irrigation fees to increase agricultural production in the countryside.

Paez and Bravo, who are both partylist allies of the National Unity Party through the Coalition for Peace and Development, said House Bill 3849 would also help the country attain food security and boost farmers’ incomes.

Farm producers are required to pay irrigation fees under Section 2 of Republic Act 3601 or the law creating the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). The bill seeks to repeal this provision, along with  Section 1 of Presidential Decree 552, and Section 1 of Presidential Decree 1702.


Bravo and Paez noted that Irrigation Service Fees (ISFs) were abolished during the Estrada administration but the NIA revived it under a socialized irrigation fee scheme.



The congressmen said the NIA is allowed to charge ISFs in exchange for the service of providing irrigation to farmers depending on the size of the farmland.



"Irrigation is a key factor in increasing agricultural productivity. The government should shoulder the irrigation expenses to ensure adequate food supply and the early recovery of the principal means of livelihood of the people especially in disaster-stricken areas," Bravo said.