ISO 9001:2015 NIA and SNAP Switch on

56th Anniversary NIA Conducts

Re-Certification: Awarding Ceremony: 3rd National Photography
How Far Have We Pilot Floating As You Sow,
Solar Energy Project and Essay-Writing
Progressed? So Shall You Reap
Contests

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019

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Contents

Contents For Comments/ Suggestions/ Contributions:

Call us @ (632) 921-37-41
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019
3 Editorial www.nia.gov.ph niapais@gmail.com
NIA Still Productive @ 56

www.facebook.com/nia.gov.ph/
Plans and Programs
4 Beyond the Walls of the Academe into the
Corporate
5 ISO 9001:2015 Re-Certification: How Far
Have We Progressed?
6 NIA RACCS
Editorial Board
7 UPLBFI Conducts Seminar-Workshop on
Organizational Directions 2020-2030 Gen Ricardo r Visaya (Ret)
Administrator:
8-9 Special Meeting on NIMP BGen abraham b Bagasin (Ret)
10-11 IAs Honored as Rice Achiever Awardees Senior Deputy Administrator:
ENGR. C’zar m. Sulaik
12-13 Barotac Viejo SRIP: An Accomplished Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Sector:
Collaborative Project MGEN ROMEO G GAN (Ret)
Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Sector:

Special Events
14 NIA Conducts 3rd National Photography and
Essay Writing Contests
Editorial staff
15 Salamat Mabuhay!
Executive Editor and Consultant: Pilipina P. Bermudez
16-17 NIA and SNAP Switch On Pilot Floating Editor-in-Chief: Eden Victoria C. Selva
Solar Project Associate Editor: Luzviminda R. Peñaranda
Managing Editor: Clarizze C. Toribio
18-19 56th Anniversary Awarding Ceremony: As
You Sow, so Shall You Reap
Copy Editing and Editorial Staff
20-21 Fifty-Something-Six-Y Copy Editor/ Writer: Pops Marie S. Dadea
22-23 Sportsfest 2019: Camaraderie, Teamwork, News Editor/ Writer: Josias M. Mercado
and Championship Feature Editor/ Writer: Jayson B. Cabrera

24 NIA Tree Planting 2019: The Earth Has

Lungs. Let Them Breathe. Graphics and Layout Team
Design and Layout A rtists: Remster D. Bautista
Ana Cristel K. Untivero
Special Feature Christian Rey E. Luz
25 Destination Irrigation: NIA 2019 towards Photographer: Allan John O. Zita
Innovation
Administrative Support Staff
26-27 Taiwanderers: Experiencing the Other Side Frya Camille D. Ballesteros
of Taiwan
Arnel M. Reves
28-29 The Great Wall and Asia: Bridging John Neil O. Villanueva
Agricultural Frontiers Mark V. Daradal
Andrian Christian C. Polinar
29 IE Expo China 2019

30-31 Photo News

32 Photography Contest Winners

2 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019


NIA @ 56:
Continuously
PRoductive...
O ne cannot help but be nostalgic when anniversaries
are celebrated. We look back and recall how far had
we travelled to reaching our target or goals. In the case
of NIA, it is to fulfill its mandate as an irrigation Agency
based on RA 3601, the Act which created it, signed into
a law on June 22, 1963 and implemented by EO 91, dated
August 13, 1964. NIA started operations on March 17, 1964,
prompted by the need to construct more irrigation systems
all over the country to meet the mounting rice consumption
requirements of a rapidly growing population, and to boost
the national economy.
We look at 55 years ago, and use the figures of this year as a
baseline, when NIA was manned by 631 monthly personnel.
In 1964, we had 79 National Irrigation Systems (NIS),
771 Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) and 2,540 Pump
Irrigation Systems (PIS), totaling to an aggregate service area
of 541,000 hectares. The concept of irrigation development
in the country was in the purview of construction of
projects, operation and maintenance of national systems
and ISF collection. After a year of operations, irrigation
development registered at 29.9% with a cropping intensity
(CI) of 113%.
As of 2018, we have operated 242 NIS, 8,802 CIS
nationwide. The total number of personnel, now composed
of monthly, daily, contract of service (COS) is 12,180.
Irrigation development is recorded at 61.39% equivalent to
1,920,503.03 hectares based on target estimated irrigable
area of 3,128,631 hectares. Cropping Intensity (CI) is a
high 154.55%. This is about 46% increment of the data 55
years ago or less than 1% increase in CI per year. Today,
we can pursue the construction of new irrigation systems
of any scheme through the funding of both foreign and
local government. NIA’s budget allocation for the year is
PhP 32 Billion compared to the initial PhP 5 Million for the
first two years of the Agency operation. Today, we have
on-line monitoring and hold management meetings via
teleconference. We document events and immediately have
them ready for the viewing of employees. And today, we
have social media like the Facebook for faster exchange of
information of what is going on at the different NIA offices.
Its 56th Founding Anniversary celebration showcased
another milestone as NIA’s gentlemen and lady leaders
performed for the employees.
Editorial
At 56 years, an average human being (read: employee) would
have passed productive years and would be travelling in a
plateau or downhill, thinking of a more sedentary life after
retirement, but not NIA. The Agency at 56 persists to break
grounds for new projects and celebrate inaugurations of its
completed infrastructures, and continues to gallantly face
the challenge of substantially increasing the irrigated area
to help increase rice production amidst the threats of land
conversion, increasing population and decreasing water
resources. Also, the Agency is now in fast pursuit of energy
generation from our infrastructures using renewable energy
sources like hydroelectric and solar energy to possible
replace energy from fossil fuels. This is an aggressive move
by the NIA Top Management propelled by the abolition of
the irrigation service fee (ISF), putting into action a charter
provision of Presidential Decree No. 552 which is beyond
irrigation. The genius of this step is that we do not only help
generate electricity and help power the remote country
side but also generate income as well for the Agency, and
hopefully energize employee benefits. More to this is the
objective of turning our dams and reservoirs into agro-
tourism destinations.
This seeming infinite vigor of the Agency to explore
unfamiliar grounds at 56 can be likened to the life stage
of early adulthood or 20-30 years old, the stage when the
individual takes a firmer place in society, at the peak of
aggressiveness, energy and productivity. And so, at 56, NIA
proudly struts its flag as it endeavors to make another mark
in the history of irrigation. Yes, at 56, the once dubbed as the
“Best Irrigation Agency in Asia” has awakened from its long
deep slumber, and is determined to redeem its honor as the
“Best Irrigation Agency in Asia”.
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 3
Plans and Programs

Beyond the Walls of

the Academe into the
Corporate
Eden Victoria C. Selva, Public Relations Officer IV, PAIS-C.O.

IT used to be that students would only have a taste of the practical

application of their academic concepts when they are employed.
Delivering the welcome address in behalf of the Agency was
Engineering Department Manager, Engr. Lydia S. Esguerra.
Representing the Dean of the Engineering Department of the CPU
Civil Engineering students of the Central Philippines University for the participants’ reaction was Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grigo,
(CPU) in Iloilo City are a privilege lot being enrolled in one of a few Head of the Department of Engineering, College of Engineering,
academic institutions which go out of their way to prepare their while the Agency response was given by Engr. Baloloy, in behalf
students for their chosen engineering fields, more than what text of the Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations, Engr.
books could provide. Now on its second year with this curriculum C’zar M. Sulaik
design, the school sent 114 Civil Engineering students to an
educational tour in Manila. One of their destinations is the National According to Engr. Othello L. Razon, Chief of the Land and Water
Irrigation Administration, specifically, the Project Planning Division Resources Section, PPD-ED, the first batch of students catered
of the Engineering Department (PPD-ED). The main objective of by the Agency of the same activity was in 2018 and that they are
this activity is to expose the students to real-life situation where anticipating similar activities to happen in the coming years. The
their field of engineering is relevant and where they can correlate beauty of this curriculum design is that the benefit accrues not
theories learned from their classrooms with practical situations only to the academic institution but also to the receiving institution
outside school and thus broaden their options after graduation. which acts as a training provider where the works and contribution
of the Agency to national government is made known to other
To meet the requirements of the students, an orientation on the members of the community.
Technical Processes of Project Planning was designed by the
PPD –ED, spearheaded by its Acting Manager, Engr. Reynaldo
L. Baloloy. The orientation was conducted last April 8, 2019 at
the IEC Convention Hall. Resource persons were the staff of the
different disciplines in the division. Topics covered include Project
Planning Overview, Surveying and Mapping, Geology, Hydrometry,
Hydrology: Water Utilization, Hydrogeology, Soil and Land
Classification, Agriculture, Irrigation and Drainage, Planning and
Design and Cost Estimates, Renewable Energy, Economics, and
Environmental/Social Aspects and Watershed Management.

4 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019


ISO 9001:2015 Re-certification
How Far Have We
Progressed?
Eden Victoria C. Selva, Public Relations Officer IV, PAIS-C.O.
W hile awaiting for the third party
procurement, the Internal Quality Auditors
(IQA) of Central Office continued internal quality
auditing of offices at CO as well as at the different
ISO Core Teams. The IQA also pursued readiness
Assessment of Quality Management System (QMS)
Implementation of the Regional Offices (ROs)
nationwide with some Irrigation Management
Offices under their jurisdiction. Similarly, MARIIS
Head Office and its districts were subjected to
readiness assessment. The activity was conducted
last week of April until last week of May.
Plans and Programs
As part of the preparations, a Management Review
(MR) took place last June 11, 2019 at the IEC
building participated by NIA Top Management,
Department Managers, ISO Core Teams, and
Regional Offices as observers. Invited DAP
consultant, Ms. Christian S. Eparwa, gave her
observations on the conduct and content of the
MR, pointing out the good practices and areas
needing further improvement.
It is hoped that by the end of July procurement will
be finalized.
WE ARE
HERE!
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 5
Plans and Programs

NIA RACCS!
Luzviminda R. Penaranda, Senior Public Relations Officer, PAIS-C.O.

Highlights of the Amendments:

A tty. Ailyne C. Acgtuca-Selda,
Administrative Department
Manager, welcomed participants

• Includes offenses found in other laws and rules such as Sexual

for a two-day, “Lecture on the
2017 Rules on Administrative
Cases in Civil Service”
(RACSS) conducted on May
16-17, 2019, IEC Building, NIA
Complex, Diliman, Quezon City.
Participants are the members
and the secretariat of the
Committee on Discipline (COD)
which aimed fully understand
the Revised Rules on RACSS
and keep them abreast of the
modes of conducting preliminary
investigation.
“The revised code provides clear
definition in connection with the
Omnibus Rules on Appointments
and Other Human Resources
Action (ORA and OHRA) with the
human resources as people, as a
definition. We have in the Agency
probationary employees, for six
months, where the department
managers give the rating”, Atty.
Selda emphasized.
Harassment and Violation of RA 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act
(ARTA),
• Clarifies the three modes of conducting preliminary investigation,
• Devotes a rule on the payment of backwages,
• Emphasizes that mitigating circumstances is not applicable to
dismissal from the service which is an indivisible penalty,
• Incorporates the rule on accessory penalty of forfeiture of retirement
benefits (person can get the Personal Share from GSIS and the
terminal leave),
• Rules on duration of preventive suspension,
• Provides payment of fine in lieu of suspension for those who are
already retired or separated from the service,
• Includes as Penalty for indirect contempt,
• Introduces psychological and developmental intervention as
prerequisites for dropping from the rolls,
• Clarifies the de facto official or employee in case their appointment
has been invalidated or disapproved by the CSC,
• Includes a provision on Judicial Affidavit Rule,
• Introduces the Rule on Presumptive Notice,
• Change of jurisdiction on the corrections of personal information
used to be with C.O., now being cascaded to regional offices, and
• Removal of the affidavit of two disinterested witnesses for correction
of personal information in the records of the Commission but not in
the case of late registration of birth certificates.

Atty. Rocielle Ann Charity

Acorda and Atty. Maria Liberty
Morales, of Legal Services
Division, CSC-NCR gave lectures
on the first and second day
respectively.
The 2017 Rules on
Administrative Cases in the Civil
Service (RACCS), an update
of the 2011 version, contains
procedural guidelines for the
disposition of disciplinary and
non-disciplinary cases. It is
aimed at ensuring consistency,
predictability, and stability —
values which are integral in
upholding the rule of law. It also
affords government workers
fair treatment and protects
them from being victimized by
political biases, persecution, and
personal whims. (Ref. CSC-NCR/
LSD)

6 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019


UPLBFI Conducts
Seminar Workshop on
Organizational Directions 2020-2030
Gerome Carl L. Retamal, Senior Corporate Planning Analyst, Corporate Planning Services - CO
T he University of the Philippines -
Los Baños Foundation Inc. (UPLBFI)
conducted a two-day Seminar-
Workshop on Organizational Directions
to strengthen the organizational
effectiveness of the National Irrigation
Administration (NIA) last 10-11 April
2019 at the Convention Hall, NIA
Complex, Quezon City.
The Seminar-Workshop on
Organizational Directions culminates
the series of clustered strategic
planning seminar-workshops conducted
across the country, which was attended
by all Central Office Department and
Division Managers, and the selected
Regional Managers from Regions 1,
3, 8, 9, and Magat River Integrated
Irrigation System (MARIIS) Head
Office. After the seminar-workshop,
the participants were expected to
have the ability to (1) explain and
appreciate the principles behind the
medium-term 2020-2030 organizational
directions of NIA, (2) discuss the
logical sequence of the process-driven
strategic planning, (3) make clear
suggestions to improve the strategic
objectives, the corresponding agency-
wide programs, and the restructuring
in NIA, if any, to improve the medium-
term organizational effectiveness of
NIA, and (4) to suggest the program
structure.
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019
Plans and Programs
The facilitator was Dr. Eliseo R.
Ponce, consultant for organizational
development of UPLBFI. Dr. Ponce
emphasized the need for the
participation of the Managers for
them to own and to fully implement
the output of the series of seminar-
workshops, which is the NIA Strategic
Plan 2020-2030. There are seven
proposed programs under the NIA
Strategic Plan 2020-2030 that is still
subject to the approval of the NIA
Board of Directors, which include (1)
Irrigation Modernization Program
Towards Agricultural Competitiveness,
(2) New Areas for Diversified Irrigated
Agriculture, (3) Sustainable Irrigation
Watershed and River Management
Program Towards More Resilient
and Effective Irrigation System, (4)
Irrigators Associations as Agribusiness
Institutions; (5) Irrigation Research
and Development (R&D) Towards
More Robust and Responsive Irrigation
Development, (6) Asset Management
and Accelerated Business Development,
and (7) Special Concerns and/or
Programs.
The seminar-workshop is an activity
under the consultancy services on the
formulation of the National Irrigation
Master Plan (NIMP) awarded to the
UPLBFI by the National Economic
and Development Authority (NEDA),
the procuring entity. The consultancy
services is expected to end by
December 2019.
NIA Currents 7
Plans and Programs
SPECIAL MEETING
on NIMP
Luzviminda R. Penaranda, Senior Public Relations Officer, PAIS-C.O.
A dministrator Ricardo R Visaya led NIA officials and focal persons
welcome the officials and representatives of the Department
of Agriculture, NEDA and University of the Philippines - Los Baños
Foundation Inc. (UPLBFI) held on May 10, 2019 at the Administrator’s
Conference Room, NIA Complex, Quezon City. Based on the request of DA
Undersecretary (Usec) Ariel T. Cayanan, NIA served as host in the special
meeting on National Irrigation Master Plan (NIMP).
“To come up with a holistic one regarding the irrigation plan … with guidance
from the UPLBFI… but will be narrowed down to solar power irrigation
system eventually because big irrigation is the dominance of the NIA and we
(DA) will be complementing small projects. The study was commissioned by
NEDA and per formed by UPLBFI. And we would like to know “Where are we
right now, where are we heading to and how long the Study will take”, these
were the guiding questions of Usec Ariel T. Cayanan.
Likewise, he relayed DA Secretary Piñol’s request “to expedite/fast track
without compromising the complete study”.
Dr. Victor B. Ella of UPLBFI, team leader for NIMP, gave an overview of the
project. The objectives of which are to guide NIA as well as LGUs and IAs,
to manage current challenges of irrigation development in the country, to
meet the government’s rice security program. Two years later, NIA Board
and NEDA decided for improvement and further enhancement of the draft
Master Plan taking into account the recent development on Free Irrigation
Service and Rice Tariffication Acts. As such, NEDA commissioned UPLBFI
for NIMP project, hence, they are bound by NEDA’s Terms of Reference
(TOR).
8 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019
The Project Objectives and Considerations of the Study
Dr. Ella emphasized NIMP’s objectives such as: updating, refinement and
enhancement/improvement of the draft 10-Year NIA irrigation development
master plan considering the developments. The Plan includes performance
target indicators consistent with Philippine Development Plan (PDP) results
matrix; Investment of programs/projects – short, medium and long term
projects; Enhancement of operations of irrigation systems; taking into
account DA’s special map as prescribed by NEDA, emerging efficient
technology as well as the institutional development. One of the major
outputs are updating of the data base. NEDA said to take into consideration
the study on irrigation for food security, value engineering, and value
analysis (VEVA); Irrigation development to support diversified high value
cropping system. UPLBFI executes the Plan with comprehensive, holistic,
and integrated multi-disciplinary approach to contribute to the government’s
aim of food security and poverty alleviation.
The group would come up with major approach on updated geo database
management system with attributes such as land and water resources all
over the country, updated data base of NIA, updated performance targets
results framework and financing framework. Equally exhaustive in the
study is the development of new criteria for prioritization of irrigation
projects; investment plan of mixed program/new projects, short, medium
and long term; organizational reforms and institutional development; plans
and programs and other enhancements like irrigation support for crop
diversification, water management technology and climate resiliency,
among others.

Status of the Study
Updating of the geo database management system of NIA is one important
development. The study is now extending the slope area from 3% to 8%.
According to Dr. Ella, this initially involves about three (3) million additional
hectares all over the country. These are upland areas and suitable for crop
diversification. This is included in the final report with national, regional
and provincial breakdown, figures are in refinement process.
Priority projects already identified under the Public Investment Program
(PIP) would be map out. Assessment of irrigation water supply and demand,
estimates of water duty, and dependable water flow per region are in the
works for future planning. The GS group is doing a drone survey on deep
well irrigation while water resources group is on field irrigation.
UPLBFI held focus group discussion (FGDs) with the stakeholders on the
various issues on irrigation development. Conferred also is the proposed
criteria for prioritization of projects using scientific approach on which
major criteria should be given more weight. When the projects are identified
through scoring system, these are prioritized based on merits. Criteria
consists of four major components: technical (assessment of water and
land Resources), economic, organizational and institutional, and social and
environmental. Each category has scoring system. Projects are grouped into
five: Type 1 is the new national irrigation project, Type 2 is the rehabilitation
of existing national irrigation system (NIS), Type 3 is the new small
irrigation projects including communal irrigation projects and other small
irrigation system, small reservoir irrigation project (SRIP) and anything that
is small, not national, Type 4 is the rehabilitation of small irrigation projects
and communal irrigation systems, and Type 5 is multipurpose irrigation
system. Each type, UPLBFI developed a criteria scoring system.
Dr. Ella emphasized that projects must have passed the feasibility study
before subjecting it to prioritization criteria to avoid projects to fail.
Stakeholders were consulted on these criteria… including those identified
projects in PIP, to be classified in terms of high, medium and low priority;
and for short, medium and long term in terms of investment program.
Investment program includes the combination of new and rehabilitation
programs/projects.
Clustered FGDs were held in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao attended
by LGUs, NIA, DA, DENR and NEDA from the regions. UPLBFI held
consultative meeting with NIA from Central Office, DA Central Office and
BSWM.
Plans and Programs
Part of enhancement is organizational and institutional reforms, improving/
enhancing on water saving irrigation technology, climate change and
environmental. The study is multi-disciplinary, hence, many aspects are
considered.
Project’s Extension
With the problem on data collection and schedule of activities, UPLBFI
requested for extension of the project and was approved by NEDA. The final
report will be submitted in August and will be presented to NIA and NEDA
Board.
Solar Power Irrigation Project
The agreement during the meeting with Sec Piñol was to ensure that there
are no duplications in targeting service areas to be covered by NIA and DA.
Likewise, objective of solar power irrigation is not contrary with NIMP’s. A
section will be devoted for prioritization of Small Scale Irrigation Project.
Dr. Ella emphasized that the integration of BSWM’s Small Scale Irrigation
Projects (SSIPs), should consider the NIMP’s criteria for the third type
(small projects). Should DA adopt their established guidelines, DA should
do what NIA does… i.e. , a comprehensive FS for identified solar power
irrigation project (IP) before subjecting it for prioritization. Solar power IP is
an Israeli-funded. Dr. Ella suggested that during dry season, DA install solar
system at the tail end of NIA’s irrigation system in future planning. DA can
support upland areas with slope limit to 8% to enable farmers to adopt crop
diversification.
Conclusion
UPLBFI emphasized that all matters will be presented to the Board for their
comments. DA Usec Cayanan and Administrator Visaya agreed to fast track
identification and prioritization of the project to give farmers irrigation
water.
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 9
Special Events

IAs honored as
Rice Achievers Awardees Melyn T. Jover, Community Development Officer II,
Institutional Development Division - Operations Department

A s an annual event that recognizes the efforts of the rice producers in the Philippines, the Awarding Ceremony for the Rice
Achiever Awardees was held on May 30, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. Top 8 winners
from the irrigators associations who received the major awards are the following:

NIS Region CIS Region

1. Regta IA, Inc. MARIIS 1. Bayawan United Farmers IA, Inc. 7

2. Tambulig Balugo Farmers 2. Dilapa-Mabintag-Sta. Cruz CIA,

9 10
IA, Inc. Inc.

3. Kahaponan Valencia City

10 3. Salufa IA, Inc. 11
IA, Inc.

4. BNBL IA, Inc. 12 4. Cacea-Guihao-An IA, Inc. 13

Also, the performance in rice production of the following IAs were recognized and special awards were granted to them:

NIS Region CIS Region

Baynihan (Hagonoy) Zone 3 IA, Inc. 11 Ugasan-Juanico IA, Inc. 6
Kasanag FIMP Cooperative 8 Sta. Elena Tanauan Leyte IA, Inc. 8
Gabibu IA, Inc. 7 Bued CIS Dam 1 IA, Inc. 1
Sarusar Farmers IA, Inc. 1
Makabilog Maynabo Tambo, IA, Inc. UPRIIS
Palacati-an IA, Inc. 6

Pinamangculan-Dalingdingan IA, Inc. 13

10 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019

 Special Events

NIA Deputy Adminstrator for Engineering and Operations

C’zar M. Sulaik, Acting Operations Department Manager,
Delsy J. Revellame, IDD Manager, Leo L. Gallego, and other
members of the awarding body assisted the event’s distinguished
guest, the Philippine Senate Agriculture and Food Committee
Chairwoman, Senator Cynthia A. Villar, in giving the awards to
the winners and special awardees. The IAs posed with their
achievements in great elation!

With the Department of Agriculture’s industry vision of “A

competitive, profitable, resilient and responsive rice industry
for a rice-secure Philippines”, the Rice Achievers Awards (RAA)
is among many other interventions and incentives to farmers
implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) National
Rice Program through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
This program serves as an intervention to: i) encourage full
participation of the Local Government Units (LGUs), Irrigators
Associations (IAs), Small Water Irrigation Systems Associations
(SWISAs), and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) involved
in rice production to attain national rice self-sufficiency in the
shortest possible time; ii) identify and give recognition to top
performing LGUs, IAs, SWISAs, and AEWs of the rice industry,
and iii) sustain awareness, support, and commitment of the LGUs
and other stakeholders to the National Rice Self-Sufficiency
Program.

The program implementation started in 2012 and will be

sustained within the Duterte Administration until 2022 and
beyond.

A Technical Working Group for the Rice Achievers Awards

was created to conduct field validation and assessment of the
shortlisted nominees on the provincial, IA and SWISA Category
that have complied with and met the eligibility requirements and
criteria, particularly on cropping intensity, production/yield, and
adoption of operations-enhancing interventions such as agri-
support services and linkages with other agencies. DA-ATI has
authorized NIA through the National Evaluation Committee
(NEC) reconstituted to conduct such for the IA nominees
covered by the National Irrigation Systems (NIS) and Communal
Irrigation Systems (NIS). For 2018, top eight (8) IAs – four from
NIS and four from CIS are among the top performing IAs as
winners. Each is awarded with cash amounting to P1.0 Million
and plaque of commendation. Other IAs were also given special
awards.

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 11

Special Events

BAROTAC VIEJO SRIP:

AN ACCOMPLISHED COLLABORATIve PROJECT
Margarette P. Abella, Administrative Assistant, SRIP - Project Management Office

“ If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want

to go far, go together”, said NIA Administrator
Ricardo R Visaya during the Inauguration
Ceremony of the P993.3-million Barotac Viejo Small
Reservoir Irrigation Project (Barotac Viejo SRIP) on
April 16, 2019 at Nueva Invencion Village, Barotac
Viejo, Iloilo.

With him were NIA Deputy Administrator for

Administrative and Finance Sector Romeo G Gan,
representatives from the Department of Tourism,
Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources, Congressional Representatives
of provincial districts, Local Government Unit (LGU)
Officials, other NIA Officials, Irrigators Associations
(IAs), and other stakeholders.

The project started in June 2014 which aims to

promote agricultural and rural development through
the construction of small scale dams and other
irrigation facilities.

Administrator Visaya stressed that Barotac Viejo SRIP

is a fruit of modernization and innovation through
the help of the different responsible agencies such as
Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture,
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Local
Government Unit (LGU) and more importantly, it is
made possible through the SRIP planners, engineers,
construction workers, NIA employees and local
farmers. It is one of the major projects of NIA for
irrigation, thus opening a lot of opportunities.

12 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019

 Special Events
Barotac Viejo SRIP will irrigate 2,050 hectares of agricultural
land in 16 barangays in the municipalities of Barotac Viejo and
Banate with over 880 beneficiaries.

Administrator Visaya also pointed out solutions to combat

drought and climate change in the area. One is to plan for
solar water pump projects and teach the people to maintain
them. The use of diesel powered pumps will thus be
minimized, if not stopped. Apart from the solar pumps,
the Barotac Viejo SRIP should always have an active
collaborate with the farmers in the attainment of goals
as well as in dealing with different environmental
problems.

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 13

 Special Events

NIA conducts
3rd National Photography
and Essay Writing Contests
Josias M. Mercado, Public Relations Assistant A, NIA PAIS – C.O.
Clarizze C. Toribio, Information Officer A, NIA PAIS – C.O.

IPhoto
n line with the celebration of its 56th Founding Anniversary, the
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) held its 3rd National
Competition and Nationwide Essay Writing Contest with the
NIA NATIONWIDE ESSAY WRITING CONTEST
theme, “NIA 2019: Addressing Challenges through Modernization, The essay writing contest is open to all junior/senior high school
Meeting Opportunities through Innovation”. Submission of entries and college students. The contest proper is divided into two stages:
started on May 16, 2019 with an extended deadline on May 31, the Regional Elimination which consists of entries from regional
2019. These activities aim to increase public awareness on the role contestants and National Competition which consists of the
of NIA in nation-building. regional winners who received P5,000.00 in cash plus certificate
from their respective regional offices. The Board of Judges is
3RD NIA NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION composed of experts in the academe, Philippine Information Office,
and irrigation sector.
The photo competition is divided into two categories: the The 1st Placer received P15,000.00 in cash plus trophy, P10,000.00
Conventional Category which is open to the public and the Mobile plus certificate for the 2nd Placer, and P5,000.00 plus certificate for
Category which is exclusive for NIAns. After a thorough evaluation the 3rd Placer.
by the Photo Competition Committee, the finalists included a total
of 43 photo entries for the Conventional Category and 24 for the
Mobile Category. The Grand Winner received P25,000.00 plus
certificate for the Conventional Category and P20,000.00 plus The Board of Judges for Essay Writing
certificate for the Mobile Category. Meanwhile, the winner of the
Most Popular Photo Award received a cash prize of P10,000.00 plus
ARACELI RECLUSADO ANN LORRAINE MACADAEG
certificate. Ma’am Ara is a Doctor of Philosophy major Ms. Macadaeg is a Master of International
in Educational Leadership and Management Studies graduate at Kobe University in
candidate at La Consolacion University Japan. She is an Information Officer III and
Philippines. the Section Chief of the Media Monitoring
Unit of the Philippine Information Agency

For the Photography Photography contest judges A thesis adviser, a debate coach, and an
English professor, she began her career as
English Instructor at Don Stevens Institute
(PIA).

With her expertise in the field of

contest winners, of the Philippines where she became the
Editor-in-Chief of the academy’s newsletter.
proceed to the back At present, she is the Program Chair of the
cover of this issue. College of Business Administration and the
Publication Adviser of “The Forerunner”,
The Official Student Publication of Bulacan
State University – Bustos Campus.
communication, she serves as the focal
person for the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations – Senior Officials Meeting
Responsible for Information (ASEAN
SOMRI PH), the Secretariat Head of
the Special Committee on Foreign
Relations, and the Documentation Lead
of the ASEAN-Japan Forum on Media and
Information Literacy for the Youth.

MGEN ROMEO G GAN (Ret)

The Board of Judges for Photography Sir Gan is the NIA Deputy Administrator for
Administrative and Finance Sector. He is a
Romeo Remalante Omac Principio member of the Philippine Military Academy
(PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983 and an
alumnus of the University of the Philippines
Sir Meo is a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Mr. Principio is a photographer at heart. He where he finished his master’s degree in
Advertising Graduate from the University of does travel, portraiture, conceptual, and Business Management. He is also a fellow
Santo Tomas where he currently serves as a at Ateneo de Manila University where he
street photography. He is part of the Street pursues Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership.
faculty member of the College of Fine Arts Photography Philippines which showcases
and Design.
Romeo Remalante
At present, he conducts photography Omac Principio
the works of street photographers through
exhibits and social media. Robert Fontanilla
He served as the Editor-in-Chief of “Ang
Tala Magazine”, the Official Publication
of the Armed forces of the Philippines, a
workshops for various companies and He is one of the founders of SaycheesePH, position which he had duly executed for
educational institutions. He is the founder
Sir Meo is a Bachelor of Fine Arts majora Facebook in Mr. Fontanilla is a graduate of University
four years.
of FotoKlase sa Kalye, a group that teaches Mr. Principio
group is a photographer at heart. He
which provides
Advertising
photography for free Graduate
to anybody withfrom the University of does
collaboration and travel,
workshops to
portraiture, conceptual, and of Santo Tomas in 1989 where he took up
Santo Tomas drive
where he currently serves photographers
as a and models in the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, but
passion and unselfish
faculty
they have
anything
member
learned without of
to share what
the College of Fine Arts
expecting Philippines
street photography. He is part of the Street
Photography Philippines which showcasesEssay Writing Contest winners
Photography, Art Direction, and the like
andinDesign.
return.
the works of street photographers through sway him from the field of Science.
Robert Fontanilla
At present, he conducts photography
exhibits and social media.
FLORIANE
He TARUC
is now connected with Miriam College
workshops for various companies and
Mr. Fontanilla He is one of the founders of SaycheesePH, 1 as aRegion V Entrylecturer and at Zone
digital imaging
educational institutions. He isis the
a graduate
founderof University
of Santo Tomas in 1989 where he took aupFacebook group which provides
“Destination
OneIrrigation:
Creative asNIA
the 2019
owner,towards
creative
of FotoKlase sa Kalye, a group that teaches
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, but Innovation
director,and
andModernization"
photographer.
collaboration and workshops to
photography for free
passion and unselfish
to anybody
Photography,
drive
sway him fromtothe
with and the like
Art Direction,
share of Science. photographers and models in the
field what
2ALLAN ACE DIGNADICE
they have learnedHewithout expecting
is now connected with Miriam College
Philippines Region XII Entry
anything in return.
as a digital imaging lecturer and at Zone “A Boot in the Mud"
One Creative as the owner, creative
director, and photographer. 3 CLARK JAMES DELOS REYES
Region III Entry
“NIA Onboard the Ship of Progress and
Modernization”
14 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019
 Special Events

SALAMAT MABUHAY!
A Salamat Mabuhay event was accorded to 42
Retiring Employees of NIA (16 coming from the
Regional Office and 24 from Central Office and 2
post-humus awardees. Also in the event were 66
Loyalty Awardees, all coming from the Central
Office. Engr. Gloriosa Hernandez, EOD of Region

!
4A delivered the retirees message.

essay writing contest judges

ARACELI RECLUSADO ANN LORRAINE MACADAEG MGEN ROMEO G GAN (Ret)

Ma’am Ara is a Doctor of Philosophy major
in Educational Leadership and Management
candidate at La Consolacion University
Philippines.
A thesis adviser, a debate coach, and an
English professor, she began her career as
English Instructor at Don Stevens Institute
of the Philippines where she became the
Editor-in-Chief of the academy’s newsletter.
At present, she is the Program Chair of the
College of Business Administration and the
Publication Adviser of “The Forerunner”,
The Official Student Publication of Bulacan
State University – Bustos Campus.
Ms. Macadaeg is a Master of International
Studies graduate at Kobe University in
Japan. She is an Information Officer III and
the Section Chief of the Media Monitoring
Unit of the Philippine Information Agency
(PIA).
With her expertise in the field of
communication, she serves as the focal
person for the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations – Senior Officials Meeting
Responsible for Information (ASEAN
SOMRI PH), the Secretariat Head of
the Special Committee on Foreign
Relations, and the Documentation Lead
of the ASEAN-Japan Forum on Media and
Information Literacy for the Youth.
Sir Gan is the NIA Deputy Administrator for
Administrative and Finance Sector. He is a
member of the Philippine Military Academy
(PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983 and an
alumnus of the University of the Philippines
where he finished his master’s degree in
Business Management. He is also a fellow
at Ateneo de Manila University where he
pursues Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership.
He served as the Editor-in-Chief of “Ang
Tala Magazine”, the Official Publication
of the Armed forces of the Philippines, a
position which he had duly executed for
four years.

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 15

Special Events

16 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019


NIA AND SNAP SWITCH ON
pILOT fLOATING sOLAR pROJECT
“I shared also to them (SNAP) my concern
about some agricultural lands being converted
into solar fields. I wanted to save these
agricultural lands. If this (land-based solar
installation) will continue, then there will be no
more areas to be irrigated.”
-Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya
T he National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and
SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) switched on the
200-kilowatt pilot floating solar project on a 2,500-square
meter area over the Magat reservoir on June 27, 2019 in
Ramon, Isabela.
Maximizing the utilization of its irrigation facilities is one of
the projects of NIA Administrator Ricardo R Visaya such as
developing its dams and reservoirs for renewable energy. In
response to such project, SNAP constructed a pilot floating
solar project at the Magat reservoir. It is the first of its kind
over a NIA facility in the country and SNAP’s first floating
solar project.
Special Events
Jayson B. Cabrera, Public Relations Assistant A, PAIS - CO
The project presents an opportunity to generate clean
energy while conserving precious land area that could
potentially serve other purposes, particularly for agriculture.
The solar panels installed over the reservoir can help reduce
the amount of water lost due to evaporation. This becomes
particularly useful in times of drought and El Niño.
Moreover, such facility can also provide sanctuary for
marine life that cannot survive in very hot temperatures.
Floating solar panels will provide shade that can inhibit the
growth of harmful algae. Also, the panels are intentionally
spaced-out so that there can still be enough sunlight that can
filter through for fish and other organisms to grow.
The pilot floating solar project consists of 720 solar panels
on a circular installation held in place by four mooring
systems. Its design is inspired by the Amazon giant water lily.
This will undergo a 10-month stress test to ensure that the
facility can withstand strong typhoons before expanding to a
commercial capacity.
Administrator Visaya shared how Magat reservoir can
contribute a lot to the country’s electrification program
through the floating solar. He said, “Thinking ahead, this
Magat (reservoir) has an area of 4,500 hectares and we
would like this to be converted into a renewable energy
complex. If we can make a floating solar field of 200-300
hectares, that will still be small here, considering that this is
4,500 hectares, then this will be the biggest source of power
in our country.”
Cabinet Secretary and Chairman of NIA Board Karlo Alexei
B. Nograles said in his message that an important role of
NIA is to maximize the use of its assets that will sustain
benefits to the Filipinos and the Agency as well.
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 17
 Regional Office of the Year
56 awardees
Best CO-Based PMO

Region IV-B MIMAROPA

Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program -
Irrigation Component
Best CO Employee of the Year

Best Division Office of the Year

Mr. Alex Dayao, Liasons Officer

HR Division -Administrative Department

MARIIS Division 2
Integrated Irrigation System of the Year

Best Field-Based Employee of the Year

Magat River Integrated Irrigation System

Ms. Milca B. Cayanga
Administrative and Finance Division Manager,
UPRIIS
Most Outstanding CIS Irrigators Association

Best IMO of the Year

Azusano Irrigators Association, Inc.

Zamboanga Sibugay IMO - Region IX

Palawan IMO - Region IV-B

Most Outstanding NIS Irrigators Association

Most Outstanding CARP-IC Irrigators Association

WEBAMSI Irrigators Associations, Inc.

Agusan del Sur IMO, Region XIII

SALUFA Irrigators Association, Inc.

Davao Oriental, Region XI

18 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019

 Special Events

56th Anniversary Awarding Ceremony:

AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP
Jayson B. Cabrera, Public Relations Assistant A, PAIS - CO

T he culminating activity of the 56th Founding

Anniversary of NIA highlighting the awarding of
outstanding NIA employees and offices, as well as
Irrigators Associations, was graced by its honored
guest speaker, NIA’s Chairman of the Board, Cabinet
Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles.
The program began at 2 o’clock in the afternoon
with an ecumenical prayer. It was followed by the
singing of the National Anthem, welcome remarks by
Senior Deputy Administrator Abraham B Bagasin. The
awarding ceremony proper followed.
“Sa bawa’t bagay ay may kapanahunan, at
panahon sa bawa’t panukala sa silong ng
langit: panahon ng kapanganakan, at panahon
ng kamatayan; panahon ng pagtatanim, at
panahon ng pagbunot ng itinanim;
At may panahon din ng pagdiriwang para sa
tagumpay ng pagsisikap. At iyan ang panahon
na inilalaan natin taun-taon para sa National
Irrigation Administration na ngayon ay nasa
kanyang ikalimampu’t anim na taon ng
kanyang pagkakatatag.”
- Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles

After all the awards were given, NIA Administrator

Ricardo R Visaya delivered his anniversary message.
He recounted how the Agency maximized the whole
year following its Emerald Anniversary. He said, “Time
flies. It has been a year when we celebrated our 55th
Founding Anniversary. Parang kahapon lamang. But the
year that has passed did not fly to nowhere. We, at the
National Irrigation Administration, have seized every
moment and grabbed each opportunity to maintain our
upward path in fulfilling our mandate.”

Administrator Visaya enumerated several projects

which were inaugurated and had their ground breaking
last year. He took pride most especially of the
inauguration of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project
(JRMP) II, the biggest dam outside Luzon which
was stalled for 15 years. He was also the one who
introduced the honorable guest and speaker Cabinet
Secretary Nograles.

CabSec Nograles said, “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

He emphasized in his message that as NIA celebrates
its founding anniversary, it is proper that the efforts
of all those who worked hard for the success of the
Agency over the past years be recognized. There is a
reason to celebrate because what was sown in the past
years is being reaped now.

He concluded his keynote address looking positively

to the future, “The next few years will be crucial. I am
confident that with the NIA at the forefront of all these
initiatives for our farmers, we will soon heed the call
of a new era - the sun rising and setting on land made
productive by our farmers’ hands, your work, and the
grace of God.”

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 19

 Special Events

FIFTY-something-SIX-y Clarizze C. Toribio, Information Officer A, NIA PAIS – C.O.

J une! NIAns know that June is a busy

and special month for the Agency. NIA
turned a year older as we celebrate its
56th founding anniversary. Part of the
anniversary celebration in the Central
Office is the employees’ night held on the
21st of June 2019. Guests and employees
were dressed in Black, White, and Gold as
they walked in the grass carpet going to
“The Enchanted Forest”. The covered court
was turned into a magical place with sigil
banners of all the offices in CO, flowers and
plants, and lights mimicking the ambience
of an enchanted forest. Again, the Special
Program Committee carefully planned this
anniversary ball. Members, Mr. Mark Daniel
G. Diosana and yours truly, served as the
host for the evening. The judges from COA and
NIA field offices

Deputy Administrator and Chairman of
the Anniversary Committee Romeo G. Gan
welcomed and extended his appreciation
to everyone who attended the event.
An Enchanted Night
Employees who extended their efforts in
dressing up for the ball were nominated
by the members of the Special Program
Committee to join the ramp of the
candidates for the Enchanter and
Enchantress of the Night. Engr. Wilhelm
S. Tiangco and Ms. Fae Angelie G. Datu
won P5,000 cash each with a crown and
a sash.

The Administrative Department once again

won the office with the highest number of
attendees in the anniversary ball.

Several magical roses were also hidden

within the event area, which come with
corresponding prizes. Aside from those,
raffle prizes were also given to the lucky
employees.

20 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019

 Special Events

Something Sexy Battle of the Deities: No kill joys allowed

NIAns were used to dance competitions with selected
employees performing for their respective groups. This
time it’s the managers’ turn to show their talents in the
Battle of the Deities. Those with salary grades 22 and above
entertained the employees as they performed on stage.
Groups were asked to present something sexy, funny, wild,
wet, classy, and dangerous. It is beyond their creativity on
how they will portray the assigned adjective. In the end, the
Special Projects Group with “Something Sexy” won the Battle
of the Deities with the special performance of Dante Gulapa
NIA version *laughs*. Who would have thought that our
bosses would be this “game”?

1st Place Special Projects Group

Something wet Offices Under the Office of the
2nd Place
Administrator
3rd Place Administrative Department
Finance Department
Consolation: Engineering Department
Operations Department

Did I mention that the cash prize won by the bosses would go
to their employees? It is indeed our night!

“NIA Top Management Officials’

performance made the night more
enchanting!”

Something dangerous
Something classy

Something wild

Something Funny Administrator Visaya delivers his

speech and raises his wine glass for the
Anniversary Toast.

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 21

Special Events

SPORTSFEST 2019:
Camaraderie, Teamwork, and Championship
Pops Marie A. Santos-Dadea, Public Relations Officer, PAIS-C.O.

W elcoming the National Irrigation

Administration (NIA) 56th
Founding Anniversary celebration is a
SDA Abraham B. Bagasin welcomes
the players and officially opens the
2019 NIA Anniversary Sportsfest
Sports Festival that starts on June 15,
2019 with its soft opening ceremonies.
Four teams composed of National
Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas,
and Mindanao battled it out to four
categories namely: Men’s Basketball,
Three-on-Three Women’s Basketball,
and Men’s and Women’s Volleyball.

Senior Deputy Administrator Abraham

B. Bagasin heads the formal opening of
the activity and welcomes the delegates
to the Central Office on June 17, 2019.
The day starts with the presentation of
muses and taking the sportsmanship
oath. The NIA Employees Association
of the Philippines (NIAEASP) organized
the sports festival.

The sports fest makes the event more The Muses and some Central
fun and exciting with its heart-stopping Office Department Managers
games that the audience had a blast
watching.
Former NIAEASP National President
The activity is a NIA tradition that and now Vice President, Eliseo V.
Bitangcol sends his message of
promotes camaraderie, teamwork, unity, support and encouragement to the
and cooperation. The highlight for this year players of this years NIA Sportsfest
is for the four teams from different offices
and regions to come together as one in
promoting their island through this physical
and social-filled activity.

NIAEASP-C.O. Vice President

Eugenio Alba leads the
Sportsmanship Oath before
the game starts

Engr. Othello Razon with MEN’S BASKETBALL

representatives of the four
teams before a volleyball Champion LUZON
game 1 Runner-Up
st
NCR
2 Runner-Up
nd
VISAYAS

Mythical Five
WOMEN’S 3X3 BASKETBALL Category Team Name
Category Team Name Point Guard NCR Edmar Bautista
Most Valuable Player Mindanao Maricel Cabus Shooting Guard NCR Jerick Andrew Datu
Small Forward Luzon Eduardo Urgente
Champion MINDANAO Power Forward Luzon Lucio Galindo
1 Runner-Up
st
VISAYAS Center Luzon Joselito Velasco
2 Runner-Up
nd
NCR Most Valuable Player Luzon Joselito Velasco

22 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019

 Special Events

Team NCR

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Champion VISAYAS
1 Runner-Up
st
MINDANAO
2 Runner-Up
nd
NCR

Mythical SIX
Category Team Name
Best Server Mindanao Karen Punayan
Best Receiver Mindanao Delma Robledo
Best Setter Visayas Roslyn Dusaran
Best Attacker Visayas Maiza Pioquid
Best Blocker Visayas Girlie Amadeo
Team Luzon Best Libero/Digger NCR Honeylyn Carpio
Most Valuable Player Visayas Roslyn Dusaran

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Champion VISAYAS
1 Runner-Up
st
MINDANAO
2nd Runner-Up NCR

Mythical SIX
Team Visayas Category Team Name
Best Server Mindanao Oscar Capundag
Best Receiver Mindanao Orpheus Cubillas
Von Johnson
Best Setter Visayas
Lucenio
Best Attacker Visayas Arnel Amadeo
Verdin Paul
Best Blocker Visayas
Deocampo
Best Libero/Digger Visayas Carl Bello, Jr.
Team Mindanao Most Valuable Player Visayas Arnel Amadeo

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 23

Special Events

NIA Tree Planting 2019:

THE EARTH HAS LUNGS, LET THEM BREATHE
Jayson B. Cabrera, Public Relations Assistant A, PAIS-CO

Trees. Water. Life. Greening the was served to all NIA

Philippines the NIA way! officials and employees who
have participated in the
This remains to be the theme of the said activity. Their hungry
Agency’s Tree Planting in this year, stomachs were filled just as
giving emphasis to water as NIA’s main how they filled the earth
symbolism in irrigating farmlands, with seedlings, letting the
along with its advocacy of protecting earth breathe, keeping its
its watersheds by planting trees every lungs intact, signifying
year, thus giving life both to the new hope for a fresher and
environment and most especially to greener future.
human beings – igniting that light of
hope for a brighter future. NIA’s Tree Planting aims
to raise awareness to the
The National Irrigation Administration society in the importance
(NIA) continues to contribute in of planting and saving trees,
greening the Philippines through this to express its concern to
activity which is simultaneously done the environment, and to
all over the country every year as a diminish the unfavorable
kick-off activity in its celebration of its effects of climate change.
founding anniversary.
Between the blue waters and
In its 7th year, the simultaneous Tree the golden sun, the vibrance
Planting of NIA nationwide was held of green forests is seen.
last June 14, 2019. This served as the Indeed, NIA cares for trees
initial activity for the Agency’s 56th and water which bring light
Founding Anniversary celebration. to our countrymen – that
While faithfully fulfilling its mandate which sustains life.
of developing all possible sources of
water for irrigation, NIA commits itself
in ensuring our country’s ecological
balance through planting thousands of
trees in its watersheds every year.
Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya
and Deputy Administrator for
Administrative and Finance Sector
Romeo G. Gan joined Region IV-A in
its Tree Planting held in Brgy. Payapa
Ilaya, Lemery, Batangas. A group of
43 NIA employees, together with the
Department Managers of the Public
Affairs and Information Staff (PAIS)
and Internal Audit Services (IAS),
joined Region 3 at the Camiling River
Irrigation System in Malacampa,
Camiling, Tarlac. The rest of the
Central Office Department Managers
(Corporate Planning Services, Legal
Services, Administrative, Engineering,
and Finance), together with other 40
employees, joined the Upper Pampanga
River Integrated System (UPRIIS) at the
Macanae Dam Watershed in Brgy. San
Roque, Lupao, Nueva Ecija.

All tree seedlings were planted just
before both hands of the clock say it
is already 12 noon. Sumptuous lunch

24 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019


DESTINATION IRRIGATION:
NIA 2019 TOWARDS INNOVATION
AND MODERNIZATION
Floriane Taruc, University of the Philippines – Los Baños
The Grand Prize Winner of the 1st NIA Nationwide Essay
Writing Contest (Official Entry of NIA Region V)
Friversrom the first progressive
agricultural society by the
of Nile and Tigris, irrigation
has served paramount purpose
to farming. In the Philippines, a
country with agrarian economy
of 35 percent in gross domestic
product, irrigation has evolved to
assuage concerns in agriculture.
However, in light of drastic
modernization, such agricultural
concerns have been amplified. In
fact, the Department of Agriculture
(DA) has reported a steep decline
in water supply over the decade
that has been prompted by land
conversion, water contamination,
and industrialization. With the
onset of El Niño affecting 51
provinces direly at present, there
is a need for an efficient water
avenue for agriculture – a mandate
embodied and acted by the
National Irrigation Administration
(NIA). To respond to these erratic
demands of the changing world,
innovation and progress are adapted
by NIA in three parts: irrigation,
infrastructure, and equipment.
Firstly, being geared towards
betterment of farmers’ lives, NIA
operates alongside its subsidiaries
to deliver water for agriculture all
over the nation. For year 2017,
the agency has triumphantly
irrigated 1.89 million hectares
of land breaching 36 percent of
overall irrigable farmland area.
Furthermore, the Free Irrigation
Service Act (RA 10969) has
exempted farmers owning land
eight hectares below from paying
irrigation fees for national and
communal irrigation systems. It is
evident that NIA has achieved a
sustainable progression towards
inclusive irrigation.
Special Feature
Secondly, the present
administration’s Build, Build,
Build program has incited NIA to
expand their systems and deal with
underperformance through multi-
billion irrigation ventures, such as
but not limited to Pasa Small River
Irrigation Project in Isabela and
Jalaur River Multipurpose Project
in Iloilo. These valuable projects
are designed towards achieving a
self-sufficient rice supply for target
areas. Likewise, they address and
mitigate environmental issues
specifically flooding and droughts
brought about by climate change.
With innovation in infrastructure
development, these projects serve Droughts ultimately ravage
as reservoirs that positively impact farmlands, but when the gentle
flora, fauna, and farmers. In the flow of water heals the crevices
long run, economic expansion of the ground, life begins from
is guaranteed along ecological within. In this perspective, it can
preservation. be affirmed that challenges and
setbacks can be contested through
Lastly, NIA is currently under a innovation and modernization. As
three-year (2017-2019) re-fleeting the Agency supplying the element of
program where a total of 261 life to farmlands, NIA is continually
transport vehicles and 40 heavy strengthening its institution to be
apparatus are procured. These resilient and facilitate irrigation
equipment are intended for project to various parts of the nation.
site monitoring and construction However, it is imperative that such
operations. By doing so, NIA’s efforts and resources be further
service delivery is made more utilized to provide better services
efficient in terms of initiation and to farmlands. Let there be no
implementation. Modernizing such farmer denied the opportunity to
equipment increases the Agency’s affordable and efficient irrigation.
productivity and in turn the For with every drop of water and
nation’s – a step closer to achieving every grain of rice or corn, the
an agriculturally sustainable future of Philippine agriculture
Philippines. unfolds.
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 25
Special Feature
TAIWANDERERS: Experiencing the
other side of Taiwan
Aileen Vernice G. Bahia, Public Relations Officer, NIA-MIMAROPA
Every time I hear the word “travel”, my heart would skip a beat. My
eyes would glow and a wide smile would appear on my face. Indeed,
I’m a Sagittarius. Always hungry for adventure. I would feel this
amazing sense of fulfilment every time I get to set foot on foreign
land. And this time, I felt it again.
It was an ordinary Thursday afternoon when I got a call from NIA
Central Office. The HR personnel informed me that I was one of the
participants for an international workshop to be conducted in April.
At first, I didn’t believe it. But realizing it was true, I couldn’t keep
my excitement. I’m so thankful and honored. I almost burst into tears
when I shared the good news to my parents. I said to myself “Finally,
my hard work paid off”.
I was one of the 10 participants for the 3rd International Workshop
on Sediment Bypass Tunnels (IWSBT) on April 9-12, 2019 at Taipei,
Taiwan. The NIA delegates was composed of our Team Leader, Engr.
Wilson M. Lopez, Project Manager of LARISIP, Engr. Jonel B. Bores
(JRMP II), Engr. Ryan G. Pichon (Region 11), Ms. Anacleta D. Velasco
(Region 8), Ms. Sandra I. Salva (Region 5) and representatives from
Central Office: Engr. Emilio M. Domagas, Jr., Engr. Herald Chino S.
Perez, Engr. Rowell D. Tarampi, and Ms. Maria Kristina A. Alcoreza.
PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez instructed me to focus on the
agro-tourism aspect of the country while Engr. Lopez assigned me as
the documenter of the event.
As the day of our departure drew near, the excitement was replaced
by fear. Many questions cloud my mind. Can I really be a part of
this extraordinary activity? Am I really qualified? What if I fail to
represent our Agency and the country?
But then again, I know that God is with me to guide me.
Philippine delegates from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and repre-
sentatives from Isabela State University with the officials from National Taiwan
University and Water Resources Agency. (Suits-Huawei)
26 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019
Participating in the workshop
The rationale behind the said activity was that reservoir sedimentation
problems had become a serious issue worldwide. Sedimentation
reduced the storage capacity of reservoir and caused harmful effects
on its functions particularly in water supply, flood control, hydropower
and environmental benefits.
Sustainable usage of reservoir requires long-term solution and one of
the hydraulic desiltation structures that gained worldwide attention
was the Sediment Bypass Tunnel (SBT). This had significantly reduced
sediment accumulation by passing sediment through reservoir.
Through the conduct of international conferences and workshop,
participants get to discuss and share SBT-related topics and issues
which they adopt in their countries.
The 1st IWSBT was held in April 2015 at Zurich, Switzerland while
the 2nd was held at Kyoto, Japan on May 2017. This time, the activity
was in Taipei, Taiwan. Professor Tsang-Jung Chang of the NTU in
close collaboration with Taiwan Water Resources Agency initiated the
activity. Delegates from various countries particularly Japan, Nepal,
Switzerland, United States of America, and the Philippines actively
participated in the workshop.
During the 1.5-day workshop, invited keynote speakers shared their
studies and experiences on SBT. Aside from these, various papers
were presented. The topics were highly technical but I tried my
best to understand their relevance and significance in the irrigation
development of our country. Those countries who successfully
implemented the SBT have advantages like proper funding and support
from their government and the community.
 Special Feature
Technical Tour, not a leisurely walk
The IWSBT was accompanied by a two-day post-workshop technical
tour to Shihmen, Baihe, and Zengwen reservoirs where desiltation
works are under construction or operation.

Due to unfavorable weather, we were not able to visit the actual

Shihmen Reservoir. Instead, we were introduced to the prototype-
model of the project. Shihmen Reservoir is a 133m high rock-filled
dam and has a watershed of 763.35 km². The design concept was to
use a small low-level permanent river outlet (PRO) and the Shihmen
Irrigation Canal outlets for regular flow release and to utilize high-level
spillway for flood discharge. Such design was identical to other dam
structures around the world in the 1950s.

Meanwhile, Baihe reservoir supplies an average of 23 million tons

of irrigation water per year which is 97% of the total water supply. It
has an irrigation area of 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres). Reconstruction
is being undertaken for this reservoir. Since the reservoir is located The group visited the Zengwen Reservoir particularly the tunnel.
in a poorly-cemented sedimentary rock area, the slope collapses in
the reservoir basin when heavy rains occur. Upon completion of the
reconstruction project, it will restore its original storage capacity.
On the other hand, Zengwen Reservoir is a true beauty. Out of the
sediment management strategy of this project, hydraulic desilting
proves to be the most economical and rapid method, hence the
construction of the sediment-sluice tunnel.

What piqued my interest in the Zengwen Reservoir is their tourism

program. The Water Resource Agency of Southern Taiwan has a
section specifically assigned for tourism. They provide tour packages
like bus tour and accommodations for those who want to visit the
reservoir. Aside from this, they also host programs like marathons to
further promote the said area.

Visiting the 3 reservoir is not a leisurely walk, it’s more of a learning

tour. Seeing Taiwan’s culture, economic and environmental aspects is a
wonderful experience.

This travel is different from my previous trips. Instead of going to the

famous tourist destinations, I saw the different side of Taiwan; how this Visit at Shihmen Reservoir Control Center
country managed to improve the quality of lives of their farmers and
the community by providing adequate water and how they prolong the
lifespan of their infrastructure projects without heavily damaging the
environment. As for our country, in-depth study and sufficient funding
are needed so that we can also apply Taiwan’s strategies

International participants at the Baihe Reservoir

Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 27

Special Feature
THE GREAT WALL AND ASIA:
BRIDGING AGRICULTURAL FRONTIERS
Fae-Angelie G. Datu, Acting Procurement Services Chief, Procurement and Property Division
China’s grand plan, widely known as Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI), is a campaign for global dominance backed by the State.
It is a key initiative and a massive marketing campaign designed
to engage neighboring countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe in
all aspects including trade, infrastructure projects promoting
physical connectivity between these regionss and agricultural
mechanization.
In line with the agricultural mechanization, China decided to push
the BRI forward in a comprehensive way by introducing and later on
exporting high-quality products/equipment, especially agricultural
machineries, bearing distinct Chinese characteristics. Moreover,
China exerts greater efforts in promoting agricultural machinery
and the techniques, including tools that are green, highly-efficient,
and smart agriculture that uses advanced technology, big data,
and satellite positioning to Belt and Road Countries. Such efforts
include opening their country and hosting several expos and
sponsoring series of International Training Workshops pertaining to
agricultural machinery mechanization to attract potential business
partners and exporters.
The campaign of exporting China’s high-quality development
of the agricultural machinery enabled a number of educational
institutions and manufacturing companies to invite delegates
from the participating countries in their BRI. One of which is the
International Training Workshop on Operation and Maintenance
of Small-Scaled Agricultural Machinery for the “Belt and Road
Countries” sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology
(MOST) of the People’s Republic of China and organized by
the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences
(CAAMS) was held in Beijing, China from April 11th to 30th, 2019.
28 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019
CAAMS sent training invitations to nearby countries including the
Philippines. National Irrigation Administration (NIA) was one of
the few agencies in the Philippines which had the opportunity of
sending nominees and potential delegates. Qualified participants
were carefully screened based on their line of work and expertise.
Fortunately, four NIA employees namely, Hannah Grace M.
Sarabia, Supervising Engineer A, Fae-Angelie G. Datu, Acting
Procurement Services Chief, Jesuit SJ L. Labro, Sr. Engineer A, and
Jordan O. Canlapan met CAAMS’s qualification standards and
successfully passed the screening. Philippine delegates were also
joined by participants from Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand.
The International Training Workshop aimed to update the trainees’
knowledge and skills on the operation and maintenance of small-
scale agricultural machinery. Furthermore, it was also designed to
help the trainees understand the general situation and developing
trend in agricultural mechanization. It envisioned an avenue to
establish a relationship between governmental authorities, research
organizations and equipment manufacturers for future cooperation.
The twenty-one day training workshop basically covered the
theory and practice topics concerning operation and maintenance
of small-scale agricultural machinery, overview of small
agricultural machinery, farming machinery, seeding machinery,
plant protection machinery, harvesting machinery, water-saving
irrigation equipment, storage drying machinery, feed processing,
operation and maintenance of agricultural product processing
machinery, and agro fair and forum. Moreover, during the training,
the participants had a technical visit in various manufacturing
companies in Nanjing, Nantong, Danyang, and WuXi located in the
Jiangsu Province, East China Region.
Indeed, China has come a long way in bridging gaps and
frontiers among neighboring countries in the field of technology,
infrastructure, and agriculture. The Chinese government’s initiative
by sponsoring series of international training workshops not only
attained personnel development in different fields of expertise,
but it promoted mutual understanding, friendship and enhanced
technological and trade cooperation between countries as well.

IE Expo China 2019
Through the request of the European
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines
to endorse the IE Expo China 2019, the
National Irrigation Administration (NIA)
as a supporting organization organized a
delegation to participate in the said event.
Engr. Rogelia dela Torre, Corporate Planning
Services Manager, heads the NIA contingent
to the three-day “IE Expo China 2019:
Asia’s Leading Trade Fair for Environmental
Technology Solutions: Water, Waste, Air,
and Soil” held on April 15-17, 2019 at the
Shanghai New International Expo Center,
Shanghai, China.
As the Asia’s leading environmental show, IE
Expo China 2019 offers an effective business
and networking platform for professionals in
the environmental sector and is accompanied
by first-class technical-scientific conference
program. Exhibits ranging from water
and sewage treatment, water supply and
sewerage system, environmental monitoring
and measuring, environmental services, old
site and soil remediation etc., were attended
by the NIA participants. Also, conferences
such as Sino-Danish Water Technology
Solutions, Canada-China Technology
Partnership Seminar on Soil Remediation and
Water Treatment, Modern German Energy
Efficient Water and Wastewater Processes
and Technologies, to name a few, were also
attended.
Special Feature
The NIA contingent to IE Expo China 2019
Learnings from the Exhibit relative to Environmental Protection and
Management:
• Innovation on how to conserve water resource through efficiency, reuse,
application of new technologies in treating waste water,
• Innovation on how to enforce efficient water use by increasing VAT, taxes
for industrial waste water,
• Protection of water sources (enforcement of law, regular monitoring and
policy formulation),
• Use of new technologies in monitoring prevailing qualities for water,
air and noise (i.e. Portable ambient air and noise monitoring machine,
portable water quality machine and others),
• There are many new technologies that can be utilize in monitoring and
treating waste water from different sources-industrial, agricultural and
many more.
Significance to Irrigation Development:
• Reuse of irrigation waste water,
• Monitoring of irrigation waste water quality,
• Protection of irrigation water sources thru vegetative and structural
modes to minimize soil erosion resulting to water pollution,
• Adoption of water efficient technologies-piping, concrete canals, drift
irrigation, and others,
• Adoption of new technologies in treating of waste water from NIA
offices/buildings and encourage reuse of treated waste water,
• Use of climate resilient, ever green species as vegetative cover along
irrigation canals, facilities and access roads,
• Encourage innovation in the design of irrigation facilities for more
efficient delivery of irrigation services to farmers, and
• Encourage farmers to adapt new technologies to minimize dependence
on raw water for irrigation purposes (adoption of new varieties-climate
resilient crops).
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 29
Photo News

Photo news

NIA Central Office – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), headed by Administrator Ricardo R Visaya, conducted the
Dialogue and Strategic Planning with the National Confederation of Irrigators Associations (NCIA) on June 19, 2019 at the
NIA Convention Hall, 5th Floor, IEC Building.

The 2019 NIA-NCIA Dialogue aims to consolidate IA issues and concerns, foster unity, and cooperation among NCIA Board
of Directors and NIA personnel in advocating IA sustainability through the provision of agri-support services beyond
irrigation.

NIA Central Office - As part of the Founding Anniversary

celebration, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)
conducted the Grand Unity Zumba on June 20, 2019 at the
NIA Grounds to maintain welness of employees. NIA Top
Management Officials, Central Office employees, and some
invited guests, led by Miss Ali Forbes, participated in the
event.
The event aims to engage all employees in fitness activities
and to further develop camaraderie among NIAns. The
activity is also part of Administrator Ricardo R Visaya’s Four-
Point Agenda, particularly, in developing human resources
and improving their capabilities.
NIA conducts Irrigation Partners’ Exhibit
NIA Central Office – In line with the celebration of its 56th
Founding Anniversary, the National Irrigation Administration
(NIA) holds products and services exhibit on June 19-21,
2019 at the NIA Lobby. The activity aims to showcase the
products/services offered by the industries that may be
adopted/used in the construction of irrigation projects and
systems.

30 NIA Currents Volume 42, No. 2, 2019


NIA Central Office – Ms. Gina Papa from the National
Archives of the Philippines expertly delivers the lecture on
RA 9470, Introduction to Records Management and Mail
Management to about 60 Records Custodians/Keepers and
Documents and Records Controllers.
CabSec Nograles chaired the 947th NIA Regular Board
Meeting
NIA Central Office - Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles
chaired the 947th Regular Board Meeting of the National
Irrigation Administration (NIA) on April 10, 2019 at the NIA
Board Room, 3rd Floor, Building B. The Board discussed
Management proposals on project Program of Work (POW),
reviewed the procurement process flow of infrastructure
project and sought updates on Management Actions to
Board directives.
Ribbon-Cutting and
Blessing of NIA Garden
held on June 21, 2019 at
NIA Building A, 3F
Seminar Workshop on News,
Feature, Editorial Writing, Layout
and Indesign, and Photography held
on May 22-24, 2019 at Regional
Training Center, Marasbaras,
Tacloban City
Photo News
NIA pays Courtesy Call to CabSEc Nograles
NIA Central Office - The National Irrigation Administration
(NIA) Top Management Officials paid a Courtesy Call to
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles on April 04, 2019
at the Administrator’s Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Bldg. A.
NIA, CSO signs BPA for FY 2020
NIA Central Office – The National Irrigation Administration
(NIA) and the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) signed the
Budget Partnership Agreement (BPA) for FY 2020 on April
11, 2019 at the Administrator’s Conference Room, 2nd Floor,
Building A.
BPA is an agreement between NIA and CSO which defines
the roles, duties, responsibilities, schedules, expectations,
and limitations in the participation of the CSO in the budget
preparation and in the execution, monitoring, and evaluation
of specific projects or programs of NIA. This partnership aims
to institutionalize citizens’ participation as a component
of the National Government’s budget process, anchored
on transparency and accountability in the allocation and
utilization of public funds.
EWPI Oath-Taking last May 24, 2019
administered by SDA Abraham B.
Bagasin
UPRIIS Seminar-Workshop on News and Feature
Writing with English 101 and Practium held on May
16-17, 2019 at the UPRIIS Farmers Training Center,
Cabanatuan City
Volume 42, No. 2, 2019 NIA Currents 31
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