Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.8281

INTRODUCED BY: HONORABLE ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to create dedicated Irrigation Management Offices (IMO) of the National
Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the Province of Sarangani and the City of General Santos,
in order to optimize the management of water resources and promote equitable and sustainable
irrigation management systems within their respective areas of jurisdiction, for the ultimate
benefit of our farmers.

Irrigation systems are necessary components of water management strategy to support
human activities and agricultural production. They are also instrumental in fighting rural
poverty, as they protect poor farmers who are considered to be the most vulnerable to the
impacts of water scarcity brought by modem factors, such as rapidly increasing population
density, pollution, and climate change.

At present, General Santos City (an independent city in South Cotabato) and Sarangani
are both under the Sarangani-General Santos City (SarGen) Sub-Office of NIA Region XIL
Consequently, these two distinct jurisdictions currently share in personnel and resources. It
causes an unavoidable division in priorities, especially given the rapid socioeconomic
developments in both areas. Productivity of the farmers within these localities is constrained
due to this inefficient setup. According to the Intemational Water Management Institute, low
productivity in rural areas is often associated with poor performance systems of irrigation
systems caused by situational and managerial factors. It is under such circumstances that this
measure is being proposed.

This bill aims to provide the farmers of Sarangani and General Santos City a reliable
and accessible irrigation system in their respective places, which would lead to desirable
changes such as enhanced crop yield, reduced losses, and more stabilized income for the
farmers in the long run. It seeks to ensure that water is distributed appropriately and equitably
to the farmers in both areas, and that their specific needs are adequately met by the government.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8281

INTRODUCED BY: HONORABLE ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

“AN ACT CREATING SEPARATE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF

THE NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE PROVINCE OF

SARANGANI AND THE CITY OF GENERAL SANTOS AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Establishment of separate Irrigation Management Offices (IMOs) of the
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the Province of Sarangani and the City of General
Santos. — There shall be established and maintained, under the direct supervision of the Region
XII Irrigation Office of the NIA, separate IMOs for the Province of Sarangani and the City of
General Santos. The existing Sarangani-General Santos City (SarGen) Sub-Office of RIO-XII
of the NIA is hereby abolished, with the two newly-created IMOs undertaking the development
of projects regarding irrigation systems within their respective areas of territorial jurisdiction.

Section 2. Functions of IMOs.— ‘The newly-created IMOs shall have the same functions
as the other IMOs of NIA. They shall ensure efficient operation and management of irrigation
systems to bring substantial benefits in terms of greater water availability and better
distribution, and to augment the productivity and income of farmers within their respective
jurisdictions. It shall also provide technical guidance and supervision to the farmers, as needed

Section 3. Appropriations. ~ The NIA Board of Directors shall include in their program
the operationalization of the Sarangani IMO and the General Santos City IMO, the initial
funding of which shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the NIA.
Thereafter, the succeeding funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


Section 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the NIA Board of Directors shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the implementation of this Act.

Section 5. Separability Clause. - Should any part or provision of this Act be held
‘unconstitutional or invalid, the provision which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in
effect.

Section 6. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions, rules
and regulations, contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed
or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Hffectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect upon its publication in the Official
gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,