Following earlier calls for stronger irrigation coordination and water resource management, the òòò½ÊÓƵ (PCAF) Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources (CCCENR) convened a special meeting on June 10 to review the endorsed PCAF CCCENR Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026, on a proposed Unified Irrigation Roadmap and Inter-Agency Coordination Mechanism between the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
The review builds on discussions during the Committee’s second quarter meeting on May 7, 2026, where stakeholders underscored the need to harmonize irrigation planning, strengthen watershed management, and improve coordination among agencies responsible for water resources and agricultural development.
Presenting the National Irrigation Master Plan (NIMP) 2020–2030, NIA’s Engr. Reynaldo Nilo reported that the master plan is approximately 70 percent complete and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with partner agencies through regional irrigation planning and stakeholder consultations.
The presentation prompted discussions on mechanisms to prevent overlapping irrigation interventions and improve coordination between NIA and BSWM. Stakeholders also raised concerns on the long-term sustainability of irrigation systems amid increasing climate-related pressures on water resources, including the impacts of El Niño on rainfall-dependent water sources.
Meanwhile, Engr. Patrick Espanto of BSWM presented the National Small-Scale Irrigation Project (SSIP) Master Plan 2023–2030, which outlines initiatives to support water conservation and improve irrigation services for farmers. Discussions following the presentation highlighted the importance of integrating water conservation measures, disaster risk reduction, and watershed protection into irrigation planning and implementation.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need to strengthen watershed management to sustain water supplies for agricultural lands. Committee members noted that while various agencies implement programs related to irrigation and water resources, stronger coordination and clearer institutional arrangements are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of watersheds supporting irrigation systems.
To address these concerns, the Committee adopted Policy Resolution No. 8, Series of 2026, recommending the strengthening and full implementation of an inter-agency and multi-stakeholder watershed and irrigation systems management framework to ensure sustainable water supply. Members also noted that a stronger policy instrument may be needed to institutionalize the participation of concerned agencies and stakeholders in watershed management efforts.
The Committee likewise adopted Policy Resolution No. 6, Series of 2026, recommending the strengthening of research, development, and innovation-based risk management strategies for emerging and climate-induced pests and diseases, and Policy Resolution No. 7, Series of 2026, recommending the re-evaluation of support mechanisms and the provision of timely response assistance to climate-affected agri-fishery communities affected by El Niño, La Niña, and other climate-related disasters. | Joy Camille Luza
