Implication of the Implementation of Free Irrigation Service Fee to the Federation of Irrigators Associations of NIA-UPRIIS Division I

Abstract

The administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte has fulfilled one of their campaign promises, which is to reduce production cost and increase farmers’ income. Thus, an amount of Two Billion Pesos (P 2,000,000,000.00) was provided in the budget of NIA under General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2017 or RA 10,924 for the implementation of the free Irrigation Service Fee (ISF) program that commenced on the first cropping season of the year 2017. Through a qualitative research design, this study was able to describe the implication of the implementation of free ISF program to the Federation of Irrigators Association of NIA-UPRIIS, Division I. The implementation of the program brought sudden changes in the performance of the FIAs when it came to their operation and maintenance responsibilities. They became more aware of their responsibilities in the irrigation system. Assistance and support are still being given to them by NIA. However, when it comes to funds, they have to find ways to cover for their own expenses in canal clearing activities and other expenses related to their operation and maintenance responsibilities. Therefore, they agreed to collect seasonal dues from their members. The most visible implications of the implementation of the free ISF program were the reduction of production cost of the farmers and the associations were able to have better understanding of the importance of their role in sustaining and developing the irrigation system. By working hand in hand, the FIAs and NIA can manage to sustain the operations and maintenance of the irrigation system.