RA10969: AN ACT PROVIDING FREE IRRIGATION SERVICE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3601, AS AMENDED, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Republic Act (RA) 10969, enacted on February 2, 2018, provides free irrigation service to farmers. The Act aims to lower the cost of production for farmers and increase agricultural productivity.
Highlight of RA 10969: RA 10969 removes the burden of irrigation service fees for small farmers, allowing them to invest more in their farms and improve their livelihoods.
Other Key Provisions:
Scope: The Act covers farmers with landholdings of 8 hectares or less, who are exempted from paying irrigation service fees for water derived from national and communal irrigation systems.
Condonation of Unpaid Fees: All unpaid irrigation service fees and penalties of farmers covered by the Act are condoned and written off.
O&M of Irrigation Systems: The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) continues to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of national irrigation systems, but may delegate the O&M of secondary and tertiary canals to capable irrigators associations.
Funding: The Act ensures that funds are provided for the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, with the national government providing funds in lieu of the irrigation service fees that are no longer collected from exempt farmers.