Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No. 830 
Introduced by 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
﻿AN ACT 
PROMOTING AND PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR  
WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS FOR AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION AND 
SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Water determines the fate of Philippine agriculture; yet one‑third of the nation’s irrigable 
land still has no dependable water, constraining food security at a time of intensifying 
climate stress. Closing this irrigation gap through farm‑level water catchment systems is 
both an economic necessity and a climate adaptation imperative. 
According to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), only 65.28% of the country’s 
3.12 million hectares of technically irrigable land was serviced by irrigation as of 
31 December 2021, leaving roughly one million hectares rain‑dependent. Data from the 
Philippine Statistics Authority show that irrigated rice paddies averaged 3.62 metric tons 
per hectare in 2023, whereas rain‑fed fields produced only 2.98 metric tons, a 21% yield 
gap. Climate change diagnostics likewise confirm a 0.68 degree Celsius rise in national 
mean temperature between 1951 and 2015, making dry seasons hotter and drier and 
compounding agricultural water stress. 
Research by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies identifies rainwater 
harvesting systems, small farm reservoirs, and run-off impounding ponds as 
cost-effective climate adaptation measures for Filipino farms. National policy likewise 
promotes irrigation development through the Free Irrigation Service Act (Republic Act 
No. 10969), which mandates the provision of affordable irrigation services to 
smallholder farmers. The Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 calls for the 
accelerated implementation of the National Irrigation Master Plan and the Water 
Security Road Map. However, large-scale infrastructure projects alone cannot promptly 
serve widely dispersed small farms. On-farm water catchment systems provide a 
scalable and cost-efficient complement that delivers direct benefits to the most 
vulnerable producers. 
July 1, 2025
1:50 pm


This bill therefore seeks to institutionalize a national program that will secure year‑round 
water supply for crops and livestock, boost farm productivity and rural incomes, relieve 
pressure on surface and groundwater sources, and strengthen resilience to droughts, 
El Niño events and other climate‑induced shocks. 
The measure mandates the Department of Agriculture, through the National Irrigation 
Administration, to promote water catchment technologies and issue national technical 
guidelines for their design, construction and maintenance. It grants value‑added‑tax 
exemptions on inputs, real‑property‑tax reductions, grants, concessional loans and free 
technical assistance to encourage adoption. Local governments are required to 
integrate water‑catchment projects into provincial development and land‑use plans and 
to provide matched funding. The bill further supports research and development on 
optimal sizing, materials innovation and integration with sustainable‑farming practices, 
and it directs annual reporting to Congress on installed systems, irrigated area, water 
saved and farm‑income gains. 
By enabling the irrigation of the remaining one million hectares, the program can add 
about 640,000 metric tons of palay each year which account roughly 5% of the national 
output in 2024 and generate approximately 12 billion pesos in additional gross farm 
revenue at current prices. On‑farm reservoirs will also buffer dry‑season deficits, reduce 
reliance on deep‑well pumping, slow groundwater depletion and provide a rapid, 
lower‑cost alternative to large dams, thereby improving the efficiency of public spending 
for water infrastructure. 
Bridging the irrigation divide through farm‑level water catchment systems will advance 
the constitutional mandate to ensure food security, uplift smallholder livelihoods and 
fortify Philippine agriculture against intensifying climate risks. In view of the foregoing, 
the immediate passage of the proposed Agricultural Water Catchment Promotion Act of 
2025 is earnestly sought. 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
Bagong Henerasyon Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No. 830 
Introduced by 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
﻿ AN ACT 
PROMOTING AND PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR  
WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS FOR AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION AND 
SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title.  
This Act shall be known as the “Agricultural Water Catchment Promotion Act of 2025.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.  
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure water security for the agricultural 
sector, promote sustainable farming practices, and enhance the resilience of farmers to 
climate change and drought conditions.  
To this end, the State shall promote and provide incentives for the adoption of water 
catchment systems as a primary source of irrigation, thereby alleviating pressure on 
surface water and groundwater sources currently utilized for agricultural purposes. This 
Act aims to create an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of water 
catchment systems in agricultural areas throughout the country. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms.  
For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows: 


A.​ “Agricultural Water Catchment System” refers to a system specifically designed 
for harvesting, storing, and processing rainwater, runoff, or other non-potable 
water sources for the primary purpose of irrigating agricultural lands, livestock 
watering, and other farm-related uses. This may include, but is not limited to, 
rainwater harvesting tanks, farm ponds, check dams, and other similar 
structures. 
B.​ “Implementing Agency” refers to the Department of Agriculture (DA), in 
coordination with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the National 
Irrigation Administration (NIA), which shall be authorized to implement the 
provisions of this Act. 
C.​ “Farmer” refers to any person engaged directly or personally in farming and/or 
producing any agricultural crop. 
D.​ “Farm Land” refers to land devoted to agricultural activity. 
E.​ “Local Government Units (LGUs)” refer to provinces, cities, municipalities, and 
barangays. 
 
SECTION 4. Promotion and Awareness.  
 
The Implementing Agency shall undertake comprehensive information campaigns and 
advocacy programs to promote the benefits and technical aspects of agricultural water 
catchment systems to farmers, farmers' associations, cooperatives, LGUs, and other 
agricultural stakeholders. These campaigns shall highlight the economic advantages, 
environmental benefits, and resilience-building aspects of adopting such systems, 
including practical guides on design, installation, operation, and maintenance suitable 
for various farm sizes and climatic conditions. 
 
SECTION 5. Technical Guidelines and Standards.  
 
The Implementing Agency, in consultation with relevant experts and agricultural 
institutions, shall establish and disseminate technical guidelines and standards for the 
design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of various types of 
agricultural water catchment systems. These guidelines shall consider local hydrological 
conditions, crop water requirements, soil types, and climate change projections, 
ensuring the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of the systems. The guidelines shall also 
incorporate best practices for water quality management for irrigation purposes. 
 
SECTION 6. Incentives and Subsidies.  
 
To encourage the widespread adoption of agricultural water catchment systems, the 
Implementing Agency shall provide a range of incentives and subsidies, which may 
include, but are not limited to: 
 


A.​ Tax Breaks and Exemptions: Farmers and agricultural enterprises investing in the 
installation of agricultural water catchment systems shall be eligible for tax 
breaks, including exemptions from value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase of 
materials and equipment directly used for such systems, and reduced real 
property taxes on land incorporating such systems. 
B.​ Grants and Direct Subsidies: Direct financial grants or subsidies shall be 
provided to individual farmers, farmers' associations, and cooperatives for the 
construction or acquisition of agricultural water catchment systems. Priority shall 
be given to small-scale farmers, subsistence farmers, and those in areas 
frequently affected by drought or water scarcity. 
C.​ Low-Interest Loans: Access to low-interest loans from government financial 
institutions shall be facilitated for farmers and agricultural enterprises for the 
purpose of establishing and upgrading agricultural water catchment systems. 
D.​ Technical Assistance and Training: Free technical assistance, training, and 
capacity-building programs shall be provided to farmers on the proper design, 
construction, operation, and maintenance of agricultural water catchment 
systems. 
SECTION 7. Coordination and Collaboration.  
 
The Implementing Agency shall establish strong coordination mechanisms and foster 
collaboration 
with 
LGUs, 
irrigators' 
associations, 
water 
districts, 
agricultural 
cooperatives, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions to facilitate 
the effective promotion and implementation of this Act. LGUs are highly encouraged to: 
 
A.​ Integrate the promotion and development of agricultural water catchment 
systems into their local development plans, agricultural development programs, 
and land use plans. 
B.​ Provide additional incentives or support mechanisms for farmers and farm 
businesses within their respective jurisdictions that adopt agricultural water 
catchment systems. 
C.​ Allocate portions of their annual budgets for the promotion, installation, and 
maintenance of agricultural water catchment systems, especially in areas 
identified as water-stressed for agriculture. 
SECTION 8. Research and Development.  
 


The Implementing Agency, in collaboration with relevant research institutions, shall 
promote and support research and development activities aimed at improving the 
efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of agricultural water catchment 
technologies suitable for various agro-climatic conditions in the Philippines. This shall 
include studies on optimal sizing, material innovation, and integration with other 
sustainable farming practices. 
 
SECTION 9. Monitoring and Evaluation.  
 
The Implementing Agency shall establish a robust system to monitor and evaluate the 
implementation of this Act, including the number of agricultural water catchment 
systems installed, the area of farmlands irrigated, water savings achieved, and the 
overall impact on farm productivity and farmer livelihoods. An annual report shall be 
submitted to Congress detailing the progress, challenges, and recommendations for 
further enhancing agricultural water security through water catchment systems. 
 
SECTION 10. Funding. 
 
 The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment. Thereafter, such 
sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 11. Separability Clause. 
 
If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not 
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 12. Effectivity Clause.  
 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in 
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,