NIA condones farmers’ penalties on irrigation

By Larry Lopez    

TABUK CITY, Kalinga --The National Irrigation Administration recently issued memorandum circular 54 that condones collection of  penalties from farmers for humanitarian consideration.

NIA-Kalinga administrator Benito EstiqueJr  said government understands plight of the agriculture sector that  suffers the impact of typhoons and dry spell. 

The circular aimed to lessen farmers’ burden on accumulated penalties due to late and non-payment of irrigation service fees.

Under the circular, concerned farmers are only charged the capital amounts of unpaid irrigation service fees due them.

Estique said MC 54 allows softer collection term by encouraging farmers to instead pay just the capital fees due them than no collection at all because of bloated amounts caused by added penalties.  In a long run, this would bring better collection performance,  he  said.

Farmers can start paying their condoned fees under the circular this coming December-January harvest.

Under NIA-Kalinga’s extended service, collection teams directly go to farmers to collect but their office is also open to walk-in clients.