VISION: By 2020, NIA is a professional and efficient irrigation agency contributing to the inclusive growth of the country and in the improvement of the farmers’ quality of life. MISSION: To construct, operate, and maintain irrigation systems consistent with integrated water resource management principles to improve agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ income.

VOLUME 26 NO. 2, 2016 PNoy switches on

BustosBy: Jhon Vince Dam Santoalla, PR-Assistant, Rehab PAIS-CO

His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the ceremonial launching of Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam rehabilitation in Brgy. Tibagan, Bustos, on April 15, 2016. “..Mas maraming mag- sasaka ang maseserbisyuhan, mas gaganda ang ani na matatamasa..” These were his encouraging words as he addresses all the Irrigators Association (IA) present during the event. see, itong mga ginagawa ng timeline. NIA ngayon yung pag build, The President is also impressed rehab, at improve ng mga Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino with the performance of NIA dams and irrigation facilities Sy-Alvarado expresses his under the current management. will have a balloon impact in gratitude towards the “Mas nagiging maayos na the future” he added. administration specifically NIA ang ating serbisyong patubig with the agency’s over whelming para sa ating mga magsasaka Dr. Padernal also discusses support to his constituents. na isa sa ating pinagtutuunan the scope of the rehabilitation “Sa matagal na panahon mag- ng pansin”. He even thank works which will include, (a) kakaroon na rin po ng pag-asa Administrator Padernal for an repair of the diversion dam- na mas maparami ang maser- efficient job with current plans replacement of 6 bays rubber bisyuhan ng ating dam (Bustos and actions in the field of irrigation gates and improvement of Dam)” he added. Governor services which directly supports apron, training walls, and gates, Sy-Alvarado told everyone that the agriculture industry. (b) repair and improvement of it has been years of clamor of Main and Lateral Canals and the province to improve the NIA Administrator Florencio F. its appurtenant structures, regulator dam which will directly Padernal gives brief and clear and (c) improved operation increase the farmer beneficiaries explanation about the project and maintenance and support and service areas... Continued including its optimum benefit services. The project is set to on page 4 among our farmers. “As you be completed in a 15-month

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i saw, iso: SAN ANTONIO IA nia’S JOURNEY TO EARN RECEIVES P 1.5 M 3 THE STAMP IRRIGATION PROJECT 12 the nia executives and EDITORIAL young professionals program 13 5 IAs shine in 5 Agri-Pinoy Awards MARIS Reservoir Optimization Project affected households P241.7-M irrigation 14 6 project for Quezon, Batangas PHOTO NEWS 15 P464 M Projects in PLANS & PROGRAMS 7 Caraga Inaugurated NFA STOPS AUCTION OF OLD BIG EVENTS RICE STOCKS AS SUMMER HARVEST BEGINS FARMERS ATTEST A SIGH OF RELIEF ON COCONUT SCALE P1B FOR Angat Afterbay INFESTATION IN CALABARZON 8 Regulator Dam 16 NIA Inks P345.2-M Deal 47% increase in FPA for BBMP II personnel approved by DBM 17 Administrator Padernal LINKAGE WITH OFFICES 9 inspects projects in NIA XI UNDER OPAFSAM

P759-M IRRIGATION PROJECT When two become one: TO BENEFIT MORE FARMERS IN NUEVA ECIJA Elvita, Taritien, Malatgao 17-18 10 Farmers IA climbs to the top “Kiko” meets FBs of Sta. Josefa PIP IA SUCCESS STORIES

SINAWAL RIVER IRRIGATION NIAns rejoice with PROJECT inaugurated Administrator Padernal’s birthday bash… 19 11 NIA inaugurates KRIS- Mamasapano Extension Limelight Irrigation Project TONIO, ANG MAGSASAKANG STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP TUNAY 20 PATUBIGAN KOMIKS

(Editorial Board) Administrator: FLORENCIO F. PADERNAL • Deputy Administrator for Engineering & Operations: ERDOLFO B. DOMINGO • Deputy Administrator for Administrative & Finance: eSTRELLA E. ICASIANO • (Editorial Staff) Executive Editor & Consultant: PILIPINA P. BERMUDEZ • Editor-In-Chief: LUZVIMINDA R. PEñARANDA • Associate Editor: CLARIZZE C. TORIBIO • Managing Editor: POPS MARIE S. DADEA • (Copy Editing & Editorial Staff) News Editor/ Writer: Maria Luisa A. Frias • Copy Editor/ Writer: JHON VINCE R. SANTOALLA • (GRAPHICS & LAYOUT TEAM) Illustrator: ARNULFO P. TOMAS • Design & Layout Artist: REMSTER D. BAUTISTA • ANA CRISTEL K. UNTIVERO • PHOTOGRAPHER: ALLAN JOHN O. ZITA (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF) AGUSTINA C. PABLO • MARK V. DARADAL • ARNEL M. REVES For Comments/ Suggestions/C ontributions: Call Us @ (632) 921-37-41

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PRODUCED BY: Public Affairs and Information Staff EDITORIAL

Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment “ to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence that will enable you to attain the success you seek. - Mario Andretti ” I saw, ISO: NIA’s journey to earn the stamp

The National Irrigation as well as retained and gained including training course on Administration (NIA) is currently more customers. For many, Internal Quality Audit (IQA), on its full power mode as the this has translated to increased corrective action, management agency aims an ISO 9001:2008 productivity. review, and readiness assessment certification by June 2016. until a third party certification Preparations upon preparations The NIA QMS involves the audit comes in to determine if are on its way along with all following major services; the efforts and determination are employees who embark the (a) project construction, (b) sufficient for the certification. agency’s aspiration in attaining construction of irrigation system, excellency. (c) institutional development, (d) Yes, there are still many stages operation and maintenance of to climb, deadlines to beat, and International Organization national irrigation systems, and (e) patience to bear - but the fact that for Standardization (ISO) is rehabilitation and improvement we are moving and all are united a worldwide federation of of communal system. with one goal is a manifestation national standards bodies in that we can get the seal just in approximately 160 countries. It is At this point, NIA is currently in time. a non-governmental organization the 4th stage of the agency’s that sets out the need in a ISO roadmap towards the It is vital to remember that ISO management system to get certification. The first stage which 9001:2008 is not just a badge that consistent quality of services known as the ISO orientation we get once and forget. It is a tool or products, and to enhance commenced last February 4 which we can continue to use to customer satisfaction. and 11, 2016 at NIA Central deliver continuous improvement Office wherein two batches of in our processes and services. It In the Philippines, Administrative participants learned about the is not about scrapping everything Order (AO) 161 states the orientation and appreciation of that has been done to date; it institutionalization of Quality ISO 9001. Secondly, the training is about looking at the existing Management System (QMS) course on QMS documentation processes, mapping them against in government agencies was also made possible for two ISO requirements and then while Executive Order 605 batches who completed the working to fill any gaps. institutionalizes the structure, trainings held on February 17-19 mechanisms, and standards and March 2-4, 2016 in Baguio At the end of the day, earning to implement the government City and Philippine Carabao the certification is not solely for quality management program, Center, Nueva Ecija, respectively. the glory of the agency but most amending for the purpose AO 161 importantly for the benefit of s. 2006. Also part of the road map in the 3rd our Filipino farmers whom NIA is stage is the QMS Documentation. serving. So let us cooperate and Most of the companies, It has been approved by the do our part for the success of this organizations, and institutions NIA Board on March 18, 2016 endeavor. all throughout the world aspire though still subject for continual to earn this stamp. It is reported improvement from March-May Yes You! You are a vital element that in addition to gaining quality 2016. for this momentous feat because management skills, organizations quality will not be complete had become more efficient, Based on the NIA’s ISO-QMS without YOU! # employees were more motivated, roadmap, approximately five customers were more satisfied, more stages are yet to conquer

NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 3 big events

Continued from page 1 It was in 1926 when Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam (Bustos Dam) was constructed as a concrete weir type with a service area of 25,000 hectares. In 1967, it was improved by installing six steel sector gates increasing the elevation from 15 meters to 17.50 meters thus increasing the service to 31,500 hectares. and other temporary measures When fully completed, the In 1990, the steel gates were were done so that irrigation rehabilitated dam will irrigate totally not operational. With a supply will not be disrupted. To about 31,485 hectares grant from Japan in 1997, the continuously serve the farmers benefiting 23,708 farmers in 16 steel gates were replaced with with irrigation, NIA included in municipalities of Bulacan and rubber gates becoming the its GAA funds to repair on-farm four municipalities in Pampanga. first rubber dam in the country. irrigation facilities. Also present during the In 2007, holes began to appear Earlier this year, the hope of event were DPWH Secretary in the rubber gates. Repairs starting the project finally Rogelio Singson, PAFSAM like vulcanizing the rubber commenced. A negotiation of Secretary Fredelita Guiza, and gates were undertaken. But funding was discussed between some Mayors form different due to old age, it continued to the Metropolitan Waterworks municipalities in Bulacan deteriorate. NIA got the opinion and Sewerage System and Pampanga. NIA team led of experts from Bridgestone (MWSS) and NIA. Immediately by Deputy Administrators, Company which recommended preceding the negotiation both Regional/Operations/ another replacement. parties agreed that the funding Project Managers, some NIA be provided by MWSS and Department Managers, NIA Due to insufficient funds, NIA will be the implementing Region 3 Manager Josephine B. the rubber gates were not agency. The estimated cost of Salazar, other NIA employees replaced. Remedial measures P1-Billion is said to cover all and Irrigators Association such as regular maintenance the expenses for the project. witness the event. #

4 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 5 IAs shine in Agri-Pinoy Awards

National Irrigation Administration sustenance in widening and Irrigation Services (CIS) category (NIA) Quezon City - More than strengthening irrigation support for their adoption of some NIA hundreds of farmers and employees all throughout the country. He advocated operation-enhancing in the agriculture sector gathered to further noted that the success has interventions and assets. Pagla-um witness the prestigious annual been possible with the concerted Irrigators Association, Inc. in awarding ceremony in the field of effort from the farmers and Zamboanga Sibugay made their rice production. 2015 Agri-Pinoy Rice government institutions. way to the top with their current Achievers Award commenced on assets stood at Php 16.1 million Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the With these, Department of thru adoption of “high-yielding” Newport Performance Arts Theater, Agriculture recognizes outstanding varieties of crops and farmers Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. Irrigators Association (IA) for their field schools as prescribed by NIA. significant contributions for rice Department of Agriculture Secretary self-sufficiency and food security. MACANAO PILOT IA, Inc. from Proceso J. Alcala graces the event IAs from Mindanao got four out Region 2 also reaped their addressing the crowd with smile of five awards for Outstanding IA, bragging rights as they proved to be and gratitude.“Maipagmamalaki Balatukay San Isidro Sinayawan remarkable across the board po namin na sa huling 5 taon, ang Farmers Irrigators Association, as they were able to meet the bansa po natin ang isa sa may Inc. (BASISFIA) in Davao Del Sur irrigation needs of its 431.22 ha pinakamabilis na pagtaas garnered the award in National service area during the dry season, ng produksyon ng bigas” he said. Irrigation System (NIS) category and surpassing it in the latter half Sec. Alcala claims that an increase for their consistent maintenance of 2015 with 467.38 hectares of of 2.28% in rice production from of a fully irrigated service area irrigated fields. 2010 - 2015 was attained by the of 486.43 ha for dry season and current administration and about 486.35 ha for wet season. The All the winners received a plaque 18.27 million metric tons was MARLIBAMA Farmers Irrigators of appreciation and cash support achieved last 2014. Association in Zamboanga Del Sur for their respective associations. also made it for NIS category as The winners were chosen through DA Secretary was overwhelmed they set up a record of 556.21 ha. rigorous regional and national with the support coming from the and 547.91 ha of benefited area validations including financial farmers and government institutions or cropping intensity of 100% and stability, increased rice productivity, which are in one with the goal for 99.21% ISF collection efficiency maximized use of lands, and rice self-sufficient country. In his during dry and wet season. strengthened collaboration and speech, Sec. Alcala personally coordination with institutional recognizes the NIA thru the Gravity Irrigators Service Association, partners. # stewardship of Administrator Inc. (GISA) in Davao Del Norte Florencio F. Padernal for the earned the award for Communal

NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 5 P241.7-M irrigation project for Quezon, Batangas By: Jhon Vince Santoalla, PR-Assistant , PAIS-C.O.

National Irrigation Administration, he added. NIA Administrator told Quezon IMO – The Agency unveils that one of the NIA’s mandates is new irrigation project amounting to contribute to every farmer an to P241.7 million held at Brgy. improved socio-economic quality Ayusan I, Tiaong Quezon on April of life. 23, 2016. The Quipot Irrigation Project is said to promote self- OPAFSAM Secretary Guiza noted sufficiency in rice production in that the project will address the the municipalities of Tiaong, San low rice production in Quezon Antonio, Candelaria, Sariaya all in which has been the problem Quezon and San Juan in Batangas. of the province from the start. due to different circumstances Meanwhile, San Juan Mayor one of which is the availability of NIA Administrator Florencio F. Manalo expresses his gratitude for additional funds. Padernal, OPAFSAM Secretary the optimum result of the project Fredelita C. Guiza, and San Juan, among his constituents. The Upon full completion, Quipot Batangas Mayor Rodolfo H. mayor even gave financial support IP will provide irrigation water Manalo grace the event attended to NIA for the construction of to over 2,800 ha (1,815 ha for by some NIA employees, agency’s sub-office in Region 4A. Quezon and 985 ha for Batangas) farmers, Irrigators Association, of paddy fields during wet and and LGU officials. Dr. Padernal “The completion of the Quipot dry season. It will benefit a congratulates the team who Irrigation Project is a milestone total of 2,155 farmers (1,327 in made the project possible. in the history of irrigation works Quezon and 828 in Batangas) and “I congratulate the men and in Region IV-A” said Regional will increase their agricultural women of NIA-Region 4A who are Manager William Ragodon. He production from 2.80 tons/ha instrumental in completing the noted that the construction of to 5 tons/ha during wet season diversion weir of the Quipot IP” the project has not been easy and 2.60 tons/ha to 5.2 tons/ha during dry season.

Also present during the event from NIA are Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Erdolfo B. Domingo, Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Estrella E. Icasiano, Engr. Modesto G. Membreve, Operations Manager Romeo Lopez, PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, and Quezon IMO Acting Division Manager Jaime C. de Jesus. PCA Region IV-A Regional Manager Erlene Manohar also came to witness the event.#

6 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 P464-M projects in Caraga inaugurated By: Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A, CARAGA

The National Irrigation “Dreams come true“ Administration (NIA) - Caraga expressed by the IAs conducted inaugurations and test- during the ceremony runs of Mat-I, Ambacon, Pinana- despite series of an Irrigation Project (MAP IP) calamities that hit at Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte the region which and Combined Closed Conduit damaged both the and Siphon of Andanan West two projects. River Irrigation System W(A RIS) at Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on Dr. Florencio F. Padernal, NIA just minimal because rice is not April 8, 2016. Administrator said that the considered as high value crop. She administration works to fast track believed that if the other countries The MAP IP was implemented by the completion of all the projects which they visited adopted new the ASDI IMO headed by Engr. especially the projects considered technologies to improve their Orlando L. Labarinto, Acting Div. as long overdue to help our farmers. economic condition, it is not Manager. It targeted 1,200 hectares He also added that the ten (10)-year impossible to implement the new service area that will benefit two master plan of the agency will not technology in our country where municipalities, Las Nieves, Agusan just focus in irrigating rice fields but water is still abundant. del Norte and Esperanza, Agusan also constructing potential hydro del Sur. The P387 million project power in the area to support power Hon. Ma. Valentina G. Plaza, will benefit 450 farmers from eight stability. Congresswoman-1st District, Irrigators Associations (IAs) of Ojot Agusan del Sur expressed her River LAMMP Las Nieves (ORLAN) PAFSAM Sec. Fredelita C. Guiza gratitude to NIA Caraga Regional Federated Irrigators under the stated that the farmers should not Manager C’zar M. Sulaik, who fast leadership of Mr. Leandro R. Fabre. only concentrate in rice farming, but track implementation to restore the they must also venture in diversified system. Meanwhile, the AWRIS construction farming to increase their income. of closed conduit and siphon She added that although the It shows if its government works implemented by Engr. Akas A. farmers’ yield will increase through with unity, everything is possible.# Basilan, Division Manager targets the completed irrigation project, to restore the original service area the increment of their income is of 5,550 hectares benefitting 24 IAs in Esperanza and Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur under the leadership of FIA President Fernando O. Meñoza. The P77 million-project was satisfactorily completed last February 26, 2016 which helped the 2,733 farmers return to their farming activities after three non- operational croppings.

About 400 people witnessed the momentous event participated by Irrigators Association officers and members, Local Government Units (BLGU, MLGU & PLGU), NIA, Media, and other visitors.

NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 7 Photo by: AC Untivero straight from the top for AngatP1B Afterbay Regulator Dam By: Pops Marie S. Dadea, NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal accepts the P1-Billion pesos from PRO B, PAIS-CO MWSS Administrator Gerardo A.I. Esquivel for the rehabilitation of the Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam.

Quezon City - In a ceremony held intensity of the Angat-Maasim Rivers The project will commence on April at the Metropolitan Waterworks service area, and to serve as flood 16, 2016 after the groundbreaking and Sewerage System (MWSS) control during rainy season at the ceremony on April 15, 2016. Office on March 16, 2016, MWSS downstream. The dam President Benigno S. Aquino III is Administrator Gerardo A.I. Esquivel serves as a regulator for the larger expected to grace the occasion as its turns over 1-Billion pesos to National which had its repair special guest. Irrigation Administration (NIA) some 15 years ago, and since been Administrator Florencio F. Padernal damaged by typhoons. Present during the turnover are NIA for the rehabilitation of the Angat Deputy Administrators Erdolfo B. Afterbay Regulator Dam (Bustos Scope of rehabilitation work includes Domingo and Estrella E. Icasiano, Dam) and its appurtenant structures. the repair of the diversion dam, which Engr. Ramon Romero of NWRB, includes the replacement of six bays Manila Water CEO Ferdinand M. The overall project objectives are rubber gates and improvement of dela Cruz, and Atty. Lourdes Marivic to prevent further damages to the apron, training walls and gates, repair Punzalan-Espiritu of Maynilad. # existing irrigation facility, to improve and improvement of main canals, irrigation water delivery and cropping lateral and its appurtenant structures. NIA inks P345.2-M deal for BBMP II By: Jhon Vince Santoalla, PR Assistant, PAIS-CO. under the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Photo by: AC Untivero Project II which envisions providing water supply for year round irrigation of about 39,150 hectares. Once finished, it will serve at least eight municipalities in Central Luzon including Concepcion, Gerona, Pura, Ramos, Paniqui, La Paz, Victoria and City of Tarlac all in the Province of Tarlac. (3rd from L) NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal leads the contract signing for BBMP II on March 16, 2016 at NIA Conference Room. Witnessing the event are (First Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Level From L-R) Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Erdolfo B. Do- is one of the big ticket projects of mingo, Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Estrella E. Icasiano, and LCDC General Manager Christopher L. Villareal. Also present during the signing are the current administration. Major (2nd Level from L-R) Head BAC Secretariat Milagros C. Nopre, Atty. Pepito L. Padilla of features of the project are 113 meter Legal Services, Engineering Dept. Manager Lydia S. Esguerra, and Region 3 and BBMP high earth and rock fill dam with a Manager Josephine B. Salazar. storage capacity of 625 MCM. It similarly foresees to mitigate flooding In line with National Irrigation main canal and its related structures. in low-lying areas and to provide Administration commitment to the upland communities with the provide improved irrigation services The project amounting to opportunity to engage in inland fish NIA Administrator Florencio F. P345,257,601.71 Million was granted production, and potential power Padernal signed a contract on March to Lorenzo Construction and generation. The main dam and 16, 2016 held at NIA Conference Development Corporation which reservoir is located at Bgy. Maamot, Room, Quezon City for the will execute and complete all the San Jose, Tarlac about 48 kms. west construction of Balog-Balog North stipulated works in the contract. It is of the City of Tarlac. #

8 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal inspects irrigation projects in the Davao Region on March 3-4, Administrator Padernal 2016. There are twelve (12) projects in NIA XI approaching completion and inspects projects in NIA XI ready for turn over to the Irrigators By: Bernadette Robin, PRO, Region 11 Associations and inauguration entailing a total allocation of P 457,947,120 programmed to generate/ restore and rehabilitate a total of 8,135 hectares which will serve 8,153 farmer-beneficiaries.

Regional Manager Felix M. Razo reports that NIA-XI accomplished 73% in the implementation of projects as of March 3, 2016 and is expected to beat the commitment of 90% to the Governance Commission for GOCC (GCG) by the end of March 2016, during the separate meetings of Administrator Padernal with the @ Pamacaun CIS, Asuncion, Davao del Norte NIA XI Staff of Davao del Sur IMO, Regional Office, and the Davao del Norte IMO staff. Manifesting Razo and IMO Managers Manuel In Davao del Norte IMO, after approval, Administrator Padernal L. Rañeses, Cornelio M. Bautista, inspecting the dam, Adm. Padernal disclosed his plans to undertake Jr., Carlito A. Carrasco and Rona B. Pamacaun IA at Asuncion, Davao the mass turn-over of completed Presto ushering him in this fieldwork. del Norte promised to have more irrigation projects with the IAs to He carefully analyzed its designs, trainings for the IAs. He also invited converge for this affair. During his remaining works, environment the IA President to attend the mass meetings with the NIA staff, he also around the damsites, the dam turn-over of irrigation projects to informed about the soon-to-be functionality, and the benefits of the be held at Clark, Pampanga. He launched book entitled “NIA Today” projects in terms of production as encouraged the farmers to take care which he assured would help the completion is drawing near. of the system as this increases their agency in implementing projects productivity and income and stressed effectively. He also thanked for the In Davao del Sur IMO, he checked that this irrigation system was built times he spent with the colleagues the dam rehabilitation of Padada RIS for the welfare of the farmers. in NIA. in Hagonoy; Badoma CIS at Bansalan and the new dam of Ceboza SIP in His final stop was an inspection Inspecting five projects under Matanao. Irrigators Association (IA) at Saug RIS, Asuncion, Davao del construction in the IMOs of Davao Board of Trustees and members met Norte where he checked the dam, del Sur and Davao del Norte, Adm. with Adm. Padernal and exchange the mechanism gears of steel gates, Padernal moves around the dams information and updates which the durability, and its environment.# and diversion structures under the IAs considered a privilege to have intense heat of the sun with RM him in their community.

Administrator Padernal with Davao del @ Saug RIS, Asuncion, Davao del Norte Sur IMO personnel

NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 9 P759-M Irrigation project to benefit more farmers in Nueva Ecija By: Jhon Vince Santoalla, PR-Assistant, PAIS-CO.

NIA Central Office, Quezon City – In line with NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal drive to accelerate the on-going construction of various irrigation projects all throughout the country, the irrigation chief personally visited various irrigation projects in Nueva Ecija, one of which is the Upper Tabuating Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (UT-SRIP) on March 3, 2016. (2nd From L) UPRIIS Acting Department Manag- (R) NIA Administrator Florencio F. er Florentino R. David accompanied (3rd From L) Padernal asks some questions re- NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal during the garding the technical details of the UT-SRIP is said to potentially irrigate administrator’s regular project visitation in Upper project during his field inspection in at least 700 hectares benefiting at Tabuating Small Reservoir Irrigation Project. Nueva Ecija. least 350 farmers in barangays of Nazareth, Bago, Rio Chico of General storage capacity of 4.96 million cubic Nueva Ecija. Aside from its irrigation Tinio, and Brgy. San Mariano of meters. component, the project will also Peñaranda Nueva Ecija. The dam serve as a flood control mechanism structure will be a 25.56-meters- high The dam and reservoir is situated and a source of livelihood among and 750 meters long. Its reservoir in the boundaries of Palayan City the nearby communities. The is projected to have a maximum (Fort Magsaysay) and General construction started last February elevation of 107.50 meters and a Tinio, Municipality of Peñaranda, 2015 and set to complete in December next year. # “Kiko” meets FBs of Sta. Josefa PIP By: Lizel Tizel L. Pebra, IDO-A, URIP A group of farmer-beneficiaries of were still depending on rainfed for tilapia and bangus. She narrated Sta. Josefa Pump Irrigation Project farming, their highest harvest that they harvested 800 pcs out (SJPIP) expressed their gratitude reached only 60 cavans per hectare. from 8,000 tilapia fingerlings and to the project management in But now, with the irrigation water, it is expecting for large harvest in May the presence of Project Manager reaches even up to 100 cavans per out from 5,000 bangus fingerlings. Gregorio Y. Pang, Jr., Hon. Mayor hectare. Their advocacy which is Jann Robi Otero, and Francis “Kiko” to increase agricultural production, Pangilinan shared in his message that N. Pangilinan, former Secretary of thus increase farmers income and when he was still the Chairman of the the Office of Presidential Assistance uplift their standard of living, is now Board of NIA, he told the NIAns, for Food Security and Agricultural coming into reality, ‘a dream come “Pahalagahan natin ang ating mga Modernization (OPAFSAM) during true’ as he puts it. magsasaka. Dapat ang ating mga the latter’s visit at the pumping magsasaka binibigyan natin ng station of the project at Baclise, Sta. Aside from farming, the project lahat ng suporta dito sa NIA. Dahil Josefa, Agusan del Sur on March 3, contributes as well to other way kapag ang magsasaka ay ayaw ng 2016. of living of the locals – fishing. Ms. magsaka, ibenta na ang lupa, wala Nancy Asister shared that through ng magsasaka, wala na ring trabaho The farmers’ representative, Mr. the 7.5 ha regulating pond of the ang NIA. Kaya kung mahal natin ang Herly Candari, said that when they project, they establish fish cages ating trabaho ay mahalin natin ang ating mga magsasaka”.#

Mr. Herly Candari , farmers’ representative, giving testimony before the presence of Hon. Mayor Jann Robi Otero of Sta. Former OPAFSAM Sec. Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan during his visit at Josefa, Agusan del Sur, former PAFSAM Secretary Francis the pumping station in Baclise, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur. “Kiko N. Pangilinan and Project Manager Gregorio Y. Pang. Jr.

10 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 ‘’This project is a good case SINAWAL RIVER IRRIGATION of public-private partnership PROJECT inaugurated wherein the government and By: Pops Marie S. Dadea, PRO B, PAIS-CO private sector work hand-in-hand for one ultimate goal…progress’’, In a simple ceremony attended Santos City was inaugurated on said NIA Administrator Padernal by Presidential Assistant for Food March 21, 2016. during his opening message to Security and Agricultural address guests and stakeholders Modernization (PAFSAM) Secretary With a total project cost of P13.8 present during the event. With Fredelita C. Guiza and National million, the undertaking had an his vision for NIA to go beyond Irrigation Administration (NIA) actual area of 441.70 hectares irrigation, and for the agency Administrator Florencio F. that will serve the Suiza-Lanton to cover more areas, he gave Padernal, Sinawal River Irrigation Sinawal Farmers Irrigators insights and ideas for the existing Project at Brgy. Sinawal, General Association, Inc. potential area of 1,748 hectares, like hydropower. He added that with the use of new technologies, like HDPE pipes that is known for its excellent performance and long-life expectancy, the project can serve its farmer-beneficiaries exceptionally.

The Sinawal River Irrigation Project is the very first project inG eneral Santos City that also irrigates PAFSAM Sec. Fredilta C. Guiza and NIA Administrator Florencio F. high-value commercial crops such Padernal led the ribbon cutting of the Sinawal River Irrigation Project as corn, pineapple, banana, mango, in General Santos City. and coconut that assures increase to farmers’ income.#

Mamasapano, Maguindanao- Presidential Assistant for Food NIA inaugurates KRIS-Mamasapano Security and Agricultural Extension Irrigation Project Modernization (PAFSAM) By: Pops Marie S. Dadea, PRO B, PAIS-C.O. Secretary Fredelita C. Guiza, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Florencio F. Padernal, and NIA Region 12 Manager Ali S. Satol graced the inaugural ceremony of the P50- million Kabulnan River Irrigation System (KRIS)-Mamasapano Extension Project located at Brgy. Tukanalipao, this province, on March 21, 2016.

After just eight months of construction, the irrigation system is now fully operational and functional. The said project will serve the 99 farmer-members of the KRIS-Tukanalipao Irrigators PAFSAM Sec. Fredelita C. Guiza (center), NIA Administrator Florencio Association (IA), Inc. and the F. Padernal, NIA Region 12 Manager Ali S. Satol, and Mamasapano systems 130-hectare coverage. Mayor Tahirudin A. Ampatuan led the inaugural ceremony of the The farmer-beneficiaries will start P50-million KRIS-Mamasapano Extension Irrigation Project in Brgy. planting rice this coming June... Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Continued on next page NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 11 plans & Programs Continued from page 11 Sec. Guiza and Administrator Padernal urge the Local SAN ANTONIO IA Government Units, other partners receives P1.5M Irrigation Project present like NFA and PCA, and By: Anthony Alonzo, PRO designate, Region 7 most especially the farmer- beneficiaries to work hand-in- San Antonio Irrigators Association members to effectively operate hand in enriching the irrigation Inc. is the recipient of another and maintain the new Communal system through cooperation, irrigation project in Sagbayan, Irrigation System in the barangay. coordination, support, and Bohol as the National Irrigation RM Sande also guarantees the hard work. They added that the Administration 7 (NIA-7) agency’s support in terms of project is not for NIA alone, but turnovers the completed San institutional development and particularly for the farmers who Antonio Communal Irrigation technical assistance to the IA. are the partners in agricultural Project on March 15, 2106. development of our country. With this new development The newly organized Irrigators brought to their locality, IA Mamasapano Mayor Tahirudin Association (IA) located in President at the same time Brgy. Brgy. San Antonio municipality Captain Ricardo R. Basco upon A. Ampatuan in his message said of Sagbayan comprising of 22 receiving the key of responsibility that he will be of help to NIA members will benefit from the expressed his optimism that this and the farmers, and that this newly built irrigation facilities will bring a dramatic improvement agricultural undertaking in the designed to efficiently deliver to the current situation of San municipality is a mode towards water to the rice fields within its Antonio; in farming and definitely progress and development. 22 hectares service area. in suppressing poverty. Mr. Ibrahim Ali, KRIS-Tukanalipao The project amounting to P Key officials from the Local IA, Inc. President extends his 1.5 million funded through the Government of Sagbayan led appreciation and gratefulness Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) by Mayor Ricardo L. Suarez as Program of the government is well as representatives of Cong. saying ‘’NIA turns our dream into composed of several facilities Erico Aristotle Aumentado reality. Where once all of this is including a dam, thresher crossing and Governor Edgar M. Chatto just a figment of our imagination, and up to 400 meters of concrete assured to provide additional we all can’t believe that our land canal lining devised to store and inputs in support to the farmers will now be getting much needed distribute the water from San to maximize the potential harvest water that will result to more Antonio Creek. in each cropping period. production, and of course more income. Maraming salamat po During the project inauguration San Antonio CIP realization mula sa aming mga magsasaka’’.# and turnover ceremony, NIA 7 signifies the continuing Regional Manager Mario H. Sande commitment of the NIA to reiterated the significant role of promote the welfare of the the IA as end-user of the facilities farmers and support the national emphasizing the importance of government in its programs in cooperation and unity among its agriculture.#

NIA 7 Regional Manager Mario H. Sande initiates the ribbon cutting ceremony of San Antonio CIP together with key officials from the Local Government of Sag- bayan and Provincial Government of Bohol during the turnover activity at Brgy. San Antonio, Sagbayan, Bohol.

12 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 Photo by: AC Untivero

The NIA Executives and Young Professionals Program: Challenges, Victory and Adventures By: Portia Sandoval Angulo - Industrial Relations Development Officer A and Jhon Vince R. Santoalla - PR Assistant, PAIS

“Leadership and learning are indispensable Loreto, Agusan del Sur, ARISEP in Pangasinan, by the lecturers of the program and a few to each other.” - JFK and UPRIIS both in Nueva items from Administrator Padernal, himself. Ecija. Participants were given a maximum of five (5) After more than three challenging months, hours to finish the exam on February 5, 2016. the first batch of NIA Executive Course on NIA Young Professionals A free week from the classroom was granted Project Construction and Management and to the participants after the examination. It the Young Professionals Program emerged Cordillera Administrative Region’s Public gave the regional delegates a chance to go with flying colors as the program concluded Relations Officer Ms. Mylene I. Malecdan, back to their hometown and report to their with commencement exercises held on March together with OPAFSAM Secretary Hon. respective offices for their respective works 11, 2016. Fredelita C. Guiza and Deputy Administrator which they temporarily left behind. for Engineering and Operations Erdolfo B. NIA Executives Domingo, were given an opportunity to visit The Completion Day Israel from February 26-28, 2016 to study the Almost fifty (50) participants coming from best practices on irrigation in said country. Participants came back to the Central Office on different regions with various key positions The travel formed part of her NIA Young March 11, 2016 for their joint commencement will now again renewed their perspective to Professionals Program (NYPP) training. exercises with the participants of the uplift their performance. Those executives Executive Course on Project and Construction were able to conquer the 3-month rigorous Back home, the other YPP trainees were Management for the NIA Officials. The executive course on project and construction overwhelmed with a lot of data from graduation started with cocktails at the management. They had been with different the field work in Balbalungao Small River Convention Hall where the rites was held trainings consist of lectures, presentations, Irrigation Project February 4-6, 2016. The and ended with the dinner reception at the case studies, group discussions, construction NYPP participants proceeded with data Penthouse. The Civil Service Commission project management plan and safety program analysis. They were given a month to Chair Hon. Alicia dela Rosa-Bala and the preparation. consolidate, evaluate, analyze, and present OPAFSAM Secretary Guiza were invited to be their recommendation to the eight-man the event’s guest speakers. The CSC Chair They were inspired and encouraged by panel. Said panel was composed of the field was represented by CSC-Integrated Records different multi-disciplinary experts who work facilitators from the Project Planning Management Dir. Ma. Leticia Reyna. serve as their speakers. Most of them shared Division of the Engineering Department. The thoughts, experiences, and stories vital presentation of their case analysis was held Some of the Regional Managers/Managers to encourage as well as challenge all the on March 4, 2016. Each group was given time of the participants also graced the occasion participants to make the best out of every to have an interaction with the panelists, lay to witness their employees graduate from circumstance. down their outputs and defend their case. this very first program designed to develop The evaluation given to them by the panelist future NIA leaders. The participants who were Aside from these, they were also able to visit was also considered in their group grade usually seen in their jeans and shirt stunned some of the irrigation projects as part of their assessment. the audience when they showed up at the assessment. Participants were directed to event clad in formal business attire which evaluate different projects on a construction The conduct of final examination followed made them look elegant and very professional. management basis as part of their final after the presentation of case analysis. The Continued on next page... exam, including Umayam Project in Waloe, test questions were personally prepared

NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 13

Continued from page 13 Executive Course on Project and Construction Management Both the participants and crowd got anxious during the announcement of the awardees. Rank 1 Engr. Wilfredo C. Gloria OM, MARIIS With plaques, cash prizes, and bragging rights at stake all are excited to know who make it PM, PINIPISAKAN Irrigation Rank 2 Engr. Estelita S. Sumile to the top. Three individuals for Executive Project Course as well as for Young Professionals were included in the top-notchers list, they are; Rank 3 Engr. Ramon A. Bugacia RM, Region 4B-MIMAROPA Meanwhile, best group recognition for both classes gave bites of excitement among the Young Professional Program crowd. The effort ofY PP group 2 paid off when they were announced as the best group in the Rank 1 Engr. Carlo Q. Pimentel Central Office class. Said group, which was headed by Engr. Buenaventura S. Poso Jr., received a cash prize Mr. Rodolf James G. dela of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) and an Rank 2 Region 9 individual plaque of award was presented Cruz, CPA to its members composed of Ms. Mylene I. Engr. Ma. Salette H. Malecdan (CAR), Engr. Adrian R. Pajulas (Region Rank 3 Region 2 1), Engr. Ma. SaletteH . Gumpal (Region 2), Mr. Gumpal Rodolf James G. dela Cruz (Region 9), Engr. Sheena Y. Ortillo (Region 10), Engr. Nelson L. The group went to Region 4A the next day The program for young professionals and Sahot (Region 11), Engr. Rolando S. Rodriguez after the graduation for their post training executives aims to develop young and highly Jr. (Central Office) and Mr. Ramon Wilden C. evaluation. They stayed at Tanza Hotel and motivated personnel to be equipped with Selva (Central Office). The remaining groups Resort where they also got the chance to bond technical and operational excellence and to received a consolation prize of Ten Thousand and unwind after the three (3) months of ensure that all projects are taken with utmost Pesos (P10,000.00) each. tension attending the training-workshop. responsibility and quality.#

MARIS Reservoir Optimization Project affected households receive livelihood assistance (starter kits) By: Melissa C. Agbisit, PRO-A, MARIIS

As part of the MARIS Reservoir Valley Region conducted the livelihood Agbisit as alternate members. During the Optimization Project, the NIA-SNAP trainings for piggery. His team of animal orientation, the responsibilities of NIA- Livelihood Committee has started the production specialists will be monitoring SNAP and the recipients of the starter kits distribution of livelihood assistance the growth of the piglets and provide were discussed. packages to project affected households technical assistance to the beneficiaries. in the municipalities of Ramon, Isabela The training for tilapia production was Ms. Pevidal explained that the and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao on February 12, conducted by BFAR. livelihood assistance or Starter Kit is 2016. an additional assistance under the Distribution of starter kits to 22 Livelihood Restoration Program of the Tilapia fingerlings from the Bureau of households for sari-sari store, catering Maris Reservoir Optimization Project to Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) services, fusion baking, meat processing, further help the affected households in in Region 02 were initially distributed native kakanin, balut production, and establishing their livelihood. to four affected households who chose ice cream making was done on April tilapia production/fishpond operation as 11 and 12, 2016. Technology partner In 2015, livelihood needs assessment their livelihood. NegoSkwela put together the starter kit was conducted to identify the preferred and assisted in the distribution. livelihood of the project affected Piglet dispersal for 86 households was households. Appropriate trainings were done in three batches: February 19, Prior to the distribution of starter kits, conducted during the last quarter of March 3, and March 23. Distribution an orientation was conducted by the the year to equip them with the skills of starter kits for fishpond and piggery Livelihood Committee composed of necessary for their chosen livelihood. operations were led by the Livelihood NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff Committee and technology partner Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, MARIIS- Engr. Mejia said he is hoping that the PILMICO Feeds. Dam, Reservoir Division Manager recipients would find this helpful and Rodolfo E. Mejia, and SN Aboitiz Power’s would be inspired to do their best to Arnel Columna, PILMICO Territory Social Development Specialist Jennifer succeed. “Ito po ay isang napakagandang Business Manager for the Cagayan Pevidal, with Desiree Cacal and Melissa bagay, nawa’y inyo itong pagyamanin,” he added. # 14 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 Photo News

NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal (center) and NIA Region 9 Manager Diosdado A. Rosales (utmost right) inspect the ongoing construction of the P5-million terruvian intake of the Dipalo River Irrigation System at Brgy. Upper Landing, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. The structure will cover 482.42 hectares of farm land and will serve 297 farmers. Expected date of completion of the project is on December 2016.

Engr. Serafin A. Palteng discusses the completed RO1 launches NIA IA Communication and Advocacy outputs of NIA’s role on climate proofing of irrigation Network (CAN) on April 8, 2016 at the Regional Training infrastructure as one of the components of PHILCAAP Center, Urdaneta City. RM John N. Celeste delivers his in demonstrating Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) welcome remarks before stakeholders composed of Strategies in Agricultural and Natural Resources Sector. representatives from different government agencies, The presentation was made during the Philippine farmers organizations, media networks and NIA officials Climate Change Adaptation Project (PHILCAAP) Product and employees. PAIS Department Manager Pilipina P. Launching Day on March 1, 2016 at Century Park Hotel, Bermudez graces the event as the Guest of Honor. Manila.

(3rd from L) NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal inspects the water flowing from Matulin River to canals through pump irrigation during inauguration of Water Tacligan Small Irrigation Project (SIP) at Water, Baco, Oriental Mindoro on April 27, 2016. He was accompanied by (2nd from L) Fr. Joseph Boongaling and (L) Baco, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Reynaldo A. Marco.

NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 15 Linkage with Offices under OPAFSAM

NFA STOPS AUCTION OF OLD RICE STOCKS AS SUMMER HARVEST BEGINS The National Food Authority has decided to suspend corn stocks should be stored for a maximum of 3 months the sale through auction of the remaining 3% of its 2014 only, rice for 6 months and palay for 9 months to maintain imported rice stocks after farmers in some provinces were the good quality of the agency’s stocks inventory. monitored to have started harvesting their summer crop. Since the stocks were more than six months old, the NFA “It would be unfair to our farmers for the NFA to unload Council earlier decided to auction them off with strict stocks into the commercial market at this time that provision that they must be reprocessed by the winning they are selling their harvest,” NFA Administrator Renan bidder either thru re-milling or reconditioning to maintain Dalisay said, pointing out that even if the volume is low, it their quality and suitability for human consumption. The could send wrong signals and unduly distort the price and stocks were part of the agency’s buffer requirements but supply situation for the staple. due to the substantial presence of commercial rice in the market at competitive prices, the stocks were not able to To preserve the quality of the old rice stocks, the NFA’s move properly. Technical Research Services Department (TRSD) and the Food Development Center (FDC) instead recommended Meanwhile, Administrator Dalisay said that the NFA reprocessing the said rice stocks and keep it fit for human continues to release rice to farmers affected by El Nino consumption. through the concerned local government units (LGUs) and Department of Social Welfare and Development Administrator Dalisay said that the NFA has a 3-6-9 policy (DSWD). # for corn, rice, and palay. This means that the agency’s

FARMERS ATTEST A SIGH OF RELIEF ON COCONUT SCALE INFESTATION IN CALABARZON

CALABARZON, Philippines –The coconut farmers of Being a coconut farmer in Alaminos, Laguna, Marcelo the Southern Tagalog province have good reasons to Mauleon continues to reap the benefits of the CSIEAP collectively breathe a sigh of relief. The green landscape after the treatment of his 2 ½ hectare coconut plantation. of coconut trees seen from the main roads of Southern “Malaking bagay ang paggamot ng mga puno dahil noong Luzon exemplifies the triumph of the coconut industry magkasakit wala pang isang daan piraso ang bunga. Libo stakeholders against the coconut scale insect (CSI). This kasi noon. Ngayon dumadami na nang utay-utay.” (The sight is a complete reversal of the terrain punctuated with treatment of the trees was very important since the CSI yellow leaves and withered bracts of the infested coconut infestation our nut yields from 1,000 pieces to as low as trees which left farmers distraught and hopeless during 100 pieces. Presently, nut yields are steadily increasing.) the height of the pest’s wide-scale infestation in 2011 to 2014. The non-endemic scale insect, known as the Aspidiotus rigidus, infested 1.1 million trees in May 2014. After Today, farmers are optimistic about the effect of the a month, the highly invasive pest affected 2.6 million Coconut Scale Insect Emergency Action Program (CSIEAP) coconut trees covering 58 hotspot municipalities in spearheaded by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV-A. The pest ravaged many coconut plantations since their coconut farm recovery in terms of yields disrupting the livelihood of more than 16,000 coconut observed to be gradually climbing to their pre-infestation farmers in 2014. levels. If the infestation remained unchecked, 1.1 million Aurellio Aninganan of San Pablo, Laguna experienced coconut trees would have been lost or “dried out”. This harvesting only 500 pieces of nuts in his four (4) hectare would have also deprived the local coconut producers the farm before his coconut trees were treated by PCA. opportunity to harvest 47 million nuts worth 470 million pesos in the first year alone. A slump in the nut supply of “Nakakarecover na ang niyog mula nang magamot at this magnitude would have severely affected the share of utay-utay na tumaas hanggang 2,000 na piraso ang the coconut industry in country’s net foreign revenues. bunga,” he added. (The coconut trees are recovering due By virtue of the Executive Order No. 169, S. 2014, a to the treatment and yields are gradually increasing to concerted government intervention paved the way for 2,000 pieces of nuts [every 45 days].) the control of the CSI, the rehabilitation of pest infested areas and the implementation of livelihood projects. #

16 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 47% increase in FPA ia success personnel approved by stories DBM From 84 to 159. On November 4, 2015, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had approved the When two become one: additional 75 new plantilla positions to augment the manpower and delivery of service of the Fertilizer and Elvita, Taritien, Pesticide Authority (FPA). Now, the FPA, with the support of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security Malatgao Farmers IA and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM), is in the process of hiring in order to complete its new total set of climbs to the top 159 permanent staff. By: Aileen Vernice G. Bahia, Annie Jake De Jesus, and Princess Jean Guanzon, Region 4B “We expect that with the additional personnel, the FPA will be able to perform and serve at its best,” said FPA Inactive and incapable officers lead to poor performance. Executive Director Norlito R. Gicana. On November 27, This was the situation of the two IAs: Bataris sa Patubigan 2015, the FPA Board led by OPAFSAM Sec. Fredelita C. and Katiwala sa Patubigan before they combined to Guiza commended this milestone of the FPA, which has attain a more improved irrigation creating Elvita, Taritien, been experiencing difficulties in achieving excellence in Malatgao (ETM) Farmers Irrigators Association. service due to lack of personnel vis-à-vis high demand of the industry. Experiencing failure didn’t stop the IA; it even pushed them to gear up and climb to the top. The DBM stated: “Per Agency representation, said staffing actions would improve its field inspection and monitoring Two Become One operations to ensure full compliance of stakeholders with FPA rules and regulations and would help the agency Bataris sa Patubigan which means Gulpimano or Bayanihan sa Patubig is the name of the IA located at perform its mandate and functions effectively as a Brgy. Taritien, Narra, Palawan with SEC Registration regulatory agency”. CN201019437. Said IA was organized on September 14, 2010 covering the largest service area in Division III The approved positions will be distributed among the of 239.38 hectares with 110 farmer beneficiaries. NIA Agency units in the Central (CO) and Regional Offices introduced the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) (RO). In the CO, a total of 29 positions, including one and negotiation but the IA was reluctant due to lack of (1) co-terminus with the incumbent (CTI) position, were capability of the officers. added to the roster of staff. The Deputy Executive Director II was revived, which will augment the previous lacking Meanwhile, Katiwala sa Patubigan IA, with SEC of DED III for both fertilizer and pesticide each. For the Registration CN201018705, is located at Brgy. Elvita, Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), five positions Narra, Palawan with service area of 104.84 hectares were approved: 1 Supervising Administrative Officer, and 64 farmer beneficiaries. This IA, having 5 turn- 1 Administrative Officer V, 1 Administrative Officer IV, 1 out service area group, was organized on August 25, Administrative Officer II, and 1 Administrative Assistant 2010. After failing to reach the required scores in the II. For the Planning, Management and Information functionality survey, the IA decided to merge with Division (PMID), four positions were approved: 1 Planning Bataris sa Patubigan IA. Officer IV, 1 Information and Technology Officer Iand 2 Information Systems Analyst II. For the Laboratory The two IAs become one, thus, the creation of ETM Services Division (LSD), seven positions were approved: 4 Farmers Irrigators Association. The name was coined Chemist II, 1 Biologist II, 1 Laboratory Technician III and 1 from the three barangays covering the IA... Continued Administrative Assistant III. For the Fertilizer Regulations Division (FRD), six positions were approved: 1 Supervising on page 18 Agriculturist, 1 Senior Agriculturist, 1 Agriculturist II, 1 Chemist II, 1 Agriculturist I and 1 Administrative Assistant III.

Finally, for the Pesticide Regulations Division (PRD), five positions were approved: 1 Chemist IV, 1 Chemist III, 1 Chemist II, 1 Chemist I and 1 Administrative Assistant III. In the FUs, a total of 46 positions were created. Three Supervising Agriculturists/ Regional Officers will be open in National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region XIII-Caraga. Meanwhile, 43 Agriculturist II/Provincial Officers will be distributed among the regions in order to cover the 75 provinces in the country.# NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26 NO.2, 2016 17 Additional responsibilities of the IA under this contract was to a) maintain a trust fund, b) prepare Operation & A new beginning Maintenance (O&M) Plan like cropping calendar, pattern of planting and water delivery and distribution, and c) Under the management of Division Manager Conrado V. formulate and implement O&M policies. Cardenas, Jr. and Irrigators Development Officers (IDOs), merging the two IAs was materialized which paved the The IA has irrigated an area of 202.60 hectares way for a new beginning for the members of ETM FIA. and benefitted 154.40 hectares. They continuously performed well with 90.44% collection efficiency on Dry By 2014, a new set of officers was elected with Mr. Season and 94.10% CE on Wet Season of 2015. Raymond Mandapat as the IA President. It was then registered to SEC with No. CN201420593 on October IA Performance 21, 2014. For the past two years, ETM FIA proved that they can Inspired and dedicated, the IA came up with a new manage the association properly with substantial results. vision and mission which will guide them in managing They attained Very Satisfactory rating for CY 2014 and their association. got an Outstanding for CY 2015. The Board of Directors and members acted on their roles properly and actively ETM FIA administers an irrigation canal project with participates on the activities of the IA. length of 5.44 kilometers and total service area of 344.22 hectares. This benefits 116 farmers of the three As a whole, the IA had an average viability index of 1.5 barangays. posting higher income generation compared to expense incurred, collection rate of 95.27% and CI of 125.49%. Entering Irrigation Management Transfer Income-generating Programs Based on the IA IMT Contract Eligibility Criteria (MC 27 s. 2011), ETM Farmers Irrigators Association has the This excellent performing IA has proven its capability as capability in performing responsibilities under Model I a viable organization through management. Financially, Contract like a) preparation of List of Irrigated & Planted they even came up with different ways to generate Area (LIPA), b) perform minor repair and maintenance additional income aside from the IA share. activity, c) canal maintenance, d) perform water delivery and distribution, e) Irrigation Service Fee (ISF) These programs are assistance program given to IA bills preparation and distribution, and f) ISF collection members with delayed payment of ISF, fines and campaign. Hence, the IA entered into Model I contract penalties, and catering services for activities in their on July 1, 2014 with an irrigated area of 213.90 hectares area conducted by agencies like NIA, DA and PhilRice. and 124 farmer beneficiaries. They also have Sikat Saka incentive wherein Landbank shall provide cash incentive to the service provider per ETM FIA generates its income from share of canal cropping cycle as recognition/compensation such as maintenance which is conducted every 45 days. The first 0.5% of the principal amount of loan paid on time by ISF collection resulted to remarkable level of 98.06% the farmer per batch for a collection rate of at least 90% collection efficiency (CE) benefitting them to gain their or 1% IA incentive for every 100% collection rate of the IA share of P48,508.08. total loan amount paid on time by the farmer per batch is achieved. The IA leveled up and entered into Model II contract on January 2, 2015 with Firmed -Up Service Area (FUSA) The path towards the top is very difficult and challenging of 344.22 hectares and 131 farmer beneficiaries. but ETM FIA is determined and ready for providing the highest satisfaction of their members.# ETM FIA ASSETS

18 NIA CURRENTS | VOLUME 26, NO.2, 2016 NIAns rejoice with Administrator Padernal’s birthday bash… This is the day that the Lord has “ made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalms 118:24 April 29 was the usual office routine” in NIA. Managers’ meeting took place in the morning up to the early part in the afternoon. And that’s the usual birthday of the workaholic leader has since his stint as an administrator in 2014.

As the sun sets, the celebration commences. Dr. Padernal starts the occasion with his greeting of appreciation to all his guests. His family, friends, classmates, comrades in his previous work came in to honor and rejoice with him.

FFP is delighted as he hops from table to table to have a photo op with his greeters and well-wishers. It was a reunion with his old time friends.

Aiza Seguerra made the night away by rendering music from all genre. Dance for all follows throughout the celebration.

Truly, everyone’s rejoicing with administrator’s birthday treat. #

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