House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has vowed to deliver on the needs of the country’s irrigators, whom he has dubbed the “heroes of agriculture".

On Wednesday afternoon, April 2, Romualdez spoke to the participants to the 2025 nationwide National Irrigation Administration-Irrigators Association (NIA-IA) Congress at Canyon Woods Resort Club in Laurel, Batangas.

“Hindi lang ito seminar. Hindi lang ito palitan ng mga plano. Ito ay pagtitipon ng mga tunay na bayani ng agrikultura – kayo (This isn’t a mere seminar. This isn't just a planning session. This is a gathering that involves you, the true heroes of agriculture),” Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, said.

The congress, spearheaded by NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen, among others, aimed to strengthen collaboration between irrigators, government agencies and legislators.

In his speech, Romualdez underscored the central role irrigation plays in the livelihood of Filipino farmers. “Hindi na po kailangang ipaliwanag pa kung gaano kahalaga ang papel ng patubig sa buhay ng magsasaka. Kung walang patubig, walang ani. Kung walang ani, walang pagkain sa hapag ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he said.

(There's no need to explain how important the role of irrigation is to the life of a farmer. No irrigation means no harvest. No harvest means no food on the table of Filipino families.)

He further assured IA leaders of Congress’ deep appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices, and called them frontline partners in the national economy, especially amid the persistent challenges faced by the agriculture sector.

The Speaker also acknowledged the farmers’ pressing concerns raised during community visits. “Narinig ko ang mga hinaing ninyo–mula sa farm inputs, makinarya, at subsidiya, hanggang sa insurance, water permit fees, at scholarship para sa mga anak ninyo. Lahat ng ito ay lehitimo,” he noted.

(I hear your grievances--from farm inputs, machinery, subsidies, including insurance, water permit fees, and scholarships for your children all of these are legitimate.)

To give a concrete response to these needs, Romualdez vowed personal oversight of pending legislative measures and the crafting of agricultural policies and budgets, ensuring that farmers’ voices remain integral in these processes.

“Bilang Speaker, personal kong tututukan ang mga panukalang batas na makakatugon sa inyong mga pangangailangan. Sa pagbuo ng mga bagong polisiya at badyet para sa agrikultura, sisiguraduhin kong may puwang ang boses ng magsasaka,” the leader of the 300-plus-member House of Representatives assured.

(As the Speaker, I will personally keep an eye on proposed laws that would tend to your needs. I will make sure that the farmers' voice will be heard in forming the policies and budget for agriculture.)

The House leader then urged leaders of the IAs and farming organizations to actively participate in legislative discussions and deliberations to ensure that laws passed directly reflect their actual needs.

“Hinihikayat ko kayo–mga lider ng IAs, mga organisasyon ng magsasaka – makilahok kayo sa mga pagdinig sa Kongreso. Sumali kayo sa deliberasyon. Sabihin ninyo mismo kung anong klaseng batas ang kailangan ninyo,” Speaker Romualdez added.

(I urge you--the leaders of IAS and farmers organizations--participate in the hearings of Congress. Please join the deliberations. Tell us the kind of laws that you need.)

He encouraged the farming sector to confidently engage lawmakers and express their concerns.

“Huwag kayong mahiyang magsalita. Hindi lang kayo tagapakinig. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit may mga batas na kailangang likhain. At sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno sa House of Representatives, sisiguraduhin kong maririnig ang tinig ninyo,” the Speaker said.

(Don't be bashful about speaking. You aren't mere listeners. You are the reason why there are laws that must be crafted. And under my leadership in the House of Representatives, I will make sure your voice will be heard.)