APRIL – JUNE 2016 ISSUE NIA INAUGURATES REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER Urdaneta City — A thanksgiving mass was just concluded when NIA Administrator Engr. Florencio F. Padernal, DPA arrived early morning on May 6, 2016 to spearheaded the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker for the Regional Training Center (RTC) in simple inauguration rites held at the NIA Compound, Bayaoas Road, Urdaneta City.

Padernal was assisted by host NIA Region 1 officials led by RIM John N. Celeste, EOD Manager Frida L. Nidoy, AFD Manager Remedios T. Tuliao, TIARI President Dominador B. Aquino and the all Irrigation Management Officers (IMOs) representing the provinces of , , and . Later, top performing irrigators associations in the region were duly acknowledged and awarded their certificate of recognition by Padernal who was the guest of honor and speaker, and NIA officials for their exemplary performance in the area of ISF collection efficiency, cropping intensity and organizational strengthening which was derived from the recent functionality survey conducted by the regional office.

A photo exhibit featuring the accomplishments and status of various irrigation projects in the pipe line which includes the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) and the Agno River NIA officials headed by RIM John N. Celeste pose with NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the inauguration of the Regional Training Center. See NIA Inaugurates on page 5 Bued CIS Adjudged 4th Runner-Up Outstanding IA By: Cynthia de Guzman-Panit

In 2009, the Bued # 1 Communal Irrigation System was totally damaged due to typhoon “Pepeng”. The Association under the auspices of La Union IMO who was once a recipient of award of NIA’s Annual Search for Outstanding IAs in 2007 was poignant and unproductive for 5 long years. Some of its members during that time already transferred to other places to look for a job. Others testified that their children had to stopped their studies because of financial problems.

The Association went to different government agencies, LGUs and NGOs that could possibly help them restore their system. Since it needs a huge amount of money, complete restoration seems impossible. But the officers lead by IA President Victoriano Petina The Bued CIS Dam 1 ISA, Inc. headed by IA President Victoriano Petina Jr. Jr. did not lose hope and very optimistic that they will surmount all together with RIM John N. Celeste, IMO Manager Gaudencio M. de Vera the test in their lives. They strongly believed that someday, a grace and some IA officers as they received their plaque of appreciation and cash from God will come. prize as 4th Runner-Up in the 2015 Annual Search for Outstanding IAs (CIS Category) duing the 53rd NIA Anniversary last June 22, 2016 held at the NIA See Bued CIS on page 5 Central Office, EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City. 2 ANO Pump Project Takes Off; PAIS Chief Graces Farmers Assume NIA CAN Launching Management Responsibility Urdaneta City — Public Affairs and Information Staff (PAIS) Manager Filipina P. Bermudez, guest of honor and speaker, lauded the effort of NIA Region 1 Director Engr. John N. Celeste for the successful launching of NIA-IA Communication and Advocacy Network (NIA CAN) on April 8, 2016 held at the new Regional Training Center (RTC) at the NIA Compound, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City.

The project induction which was well-attended by irrigation management stakeholders composed of government agencies, IA Federation officials, NIA R1 officials and members of the local media centred on the salient features of Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) and Irrigation Service Fee (ISF) which was ably discussed by Dr. Leo L. Gallego, a seasoned trainer from the NIA Central Office. In her speech, Ms. Bermudez recalled howthe NIA CAN was conceptualized in Caliraya Resort, Laguna during the last year’s Public Relations Officers’ (PROs) annual planning and accomplishment review under the auspices of the PAIS.

She explained that the regional office’s communication plan (ComPlan) is an annual report required to be carried out by the PROs. The formulation and development of a ComPlan for every region, she said, is important in order for NIA to lay down clearly Acting PIMO Manager Teodoro D. Paragas (seated) hands over the official what it wants to convey with the farmers and stakeholders, receipt in the amount of Php 100,459.04 representing the initial amortization fee and the ways in which such objectives can be accomplished or for the Ano Pump Irrigation Project to the officials of Boquig Farmer’s Irrigators achieved in a continuous and sustainable manner. In Region Association, Inc. headed by IA President Juanito Flores (2nd from left), Vice President Juanito de Ocampo and Treasurer Rolando Ocampo. Witnessing the 1, the NIA CAN was envisioned as a functional stakeholders’’ vent are Julius Macaraeg, NIA Institutional Development Officer and Shirley network which will harmonize different ideas and though strategic Ducusin, Supervising IDO. partnership.

San Carlos City — The Boquig Farmer’s Irrigators Primarily, the network will serve as a catalytic instrument in Association, Inc.(BFIA) remitted its first annual amortization the promotion and fulfilment of the key message of “Nurturing fee amounting to Php 100,459.04 last May 30, 2016 to Irrigators Associations towards Improved Agricultural Services. the NIA RO1 Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office Bermudez added, that this goal can be achieved through regular meetings where dialogues among the stakeholders. Stakeholder (PIMO) headed by Engr. Teodoro D. Paragas. Representatives who attended the launching of the NIA CAN include the Department of Agriculture, DENR, PAGASA, the The initial remittance is in fulfilment with the agreement Civil Service Commission, Local Government of Urdaneta City provisions’ for the management of the ANO Pump (represented by the City Agriculturist), Philippine Information Irrigation Project situated at Ano, San Carlos Agency (Pangasinan), KBP (Pangasinan), NIA Employees City, Pangasinan. Association (Region 1), the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Pangasinan) and TIAR1, the Federation of Irrigators Association in Region 1. The communal project which has a potential area of 40 hectares to be irrigated has a chargeable cost of Php 5,022,951.86 payable within 50 years. Upon turn over, the BFIA shall assume full responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of the system in accordance with its association by-laws and articles of incorporation.

Prior to the project turnover, the NIA has shouldered the cost of administrative services, investigation and preliminary surveys, plan preparation and other pre-construction engineering activities which includes institutional development aimed at organizing, strengthening and capacitating the BFIA which has 59 farmer beneficiaries.

The project was properly turned over by the NIA to the BFIA on December 10, 2013. Guest of Honor Ms. Pilipina P. Bermudez, manager of NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff, gamely answered questions from the participants during the open forum of the launching of NIA CAN. 3 EDITORIAL A Paradigm Shift on President Duterte’s Irrigation Service Free This story happened more than a decade ago. In an open demonstrate an impromptu “bayanihan” to the delight of everyone. field, a musical concert for a cause was to begin in about Meanwhile, the incoming Secretary of the Department of Agriculture 30 minutes when the musical director ordered his point recently admonished NIA officials to think outside the box relative man, a mechanical engineer to move the huge stage from to the impending abolition of Irrigation Service Fee (ISF) which is where it was erected to a few meters closer to the front non-negotiable. During a transition meeting which he arranged with seats. Under pressure, the engineer who supervised top NIA officials, the Secretary reiterated President-elect Duterte’s the construction of the structure panicked. He was marching order to stop the collection of ISF beginning 2017 and even overwhelmed of the herculean task which was suddenly urged them to come up with strategies for its efficient implementation. passed on to him by his boss. Caught flat-footed, the engineer was visibly jumpy and sweating profusely for it It is understandable why up to now, many NIAN’s find themselves was way beyond his comrpehension how he will be able in a dilemma, just like the bewildered engineer who cracked under to carry out his “mission impossible” - that is to dismantle pressure. Undoubtedly, they are anxious of the fact that it is the and reassemble the whole structure in time for the show. source of their bread and butter which is at stake in this case. Sensing trouble, the director shook his head in dismay, Likewise, many of them are also weary of the agency’s diminished grabbed a microphone, went near the stage and politely capacity to fulfil its lawful mandate when the ISF becomes a thing of asked the surprised crowd (which was then beginning the past come January 2017. to swell) to move the stage to the exact spot where his finger was pointing. Without hesitation, the spectators Although fear of the unknown has crept in because of the unexpected readily complied in unison. They rushed to the stage and turn of events, it is during these crucial times when the people at the moved it as instructed like a walk in the park. There was helm are expected to get their acts together quickly and formulate no need to “dismantle and reassemble” the whole thing brilliant ideas, devising alternative plan of actions for the welfare of after all, for such idea was just a projection of the poor the beleaguered Filipino farmers and the employees of the National engineer’s lack of creativity. The instruction was quite Irrigation Administration as well. As the old cliché goes: “You can only clear: “Move that thing, stupid – did I say knock it down”? fight the problem when you start solving it”. Unlike the engineer, the crowd understood and went on to NIA Reviews Farming Strategy of Tanggal Perez Farmers

RIM John N. Celeste delivering his inspirational message to the officers and selected members of the two participating IrrigatorsAssociations.

In an effort to improve the efficiency of the Tanggal Irrigation Service Fee (ISF) Collector and formulated strategic plans Perez Communal Irrigation System (CIS) which is under to further improve collection efficiency in the area. the Agno River Irrigation System, NIA RO1 through its institutional development section conducted a strategic Arya San Jose and Lacapin Tanggal Bonton are among the fifteen planning seminar and workshop for the Arya San Jose IAs operating in Tanggal Perez which was organized by the NIA and Lacapin Tanggal Bonton Irrigators Associations (IAs) has a prospective area of 1,933.65 hectares for some 2,832 local on April 7 to 8, 2016 at the NIA regional office in Bayaoas farmer beneficiaries. The participants were the elected IA officials Road, Urdaneta City. who signed a memorandum of agreement with NIA under the IMT Model 2 Contract. The salient features of the NIA-IA agreement The two-day seminar which was attended by IA officials include efficient water delivery and its distribution, collection and and their deputized collectors and treasurers tackled the remittance of ISF and financial incentives and other benefits for the important provisions of Irrigation Management Transfer irrigators associations. (IMT), presented their respective List of Irrigated and Planted Area (LIPA), reviewed the vital functions of 4 The NIA-IA Communication The Launching of NIA and Advocacy Network Communication Network (NIA-IA CAN) is envisioned APRIL 8, 2016, NIA RTC, Urdaneta City to evolve into a Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), a single body that brings together at a local level the different parts of the public sector as well as the private, business, community and voluntary sector so that different initiatives and services support each other and work together. LSPs

RIM John N. Celeste, delivers his welcome remarks before stakeholders composed of representatives from different operate at a level which government agencies, farmers organizations, media networks and NIA officials and employees. enables strategic decisions to be taken, and sould be enough to individual neighbourhoods to allow actions to be determined at community level.

Gabriel Cardinoza, Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent and member of the local media gave encouraging advise in support to the NIA CAN project.

Department of Agriculture Regional Information Dr. Leo L. Gallego (with mic) giving essential information about the NIA as a government owned and controlled Officer Ms. Gloria Parong lauded the effort of NIA corporation. Joining him at the presidential table are (L-R) Engr. Danilo V. Gomez, RIM John N. Celeste, Engr. Teodoro Region I for launching its own communication D. Paragas, Engr. Frida L. Nidoy, Ms. Remedios T. Tuliao and Engr. Gaudencio M. de Vera. advocacy network. 5 NIA Inaugurates from page 1 Irrigation System Extension Project (ARISEP) were showcased at the building lobby during the event. The RTC which is now open to serve customers from other government agencies is fully equipped with two conference halls, cafeteria, receiving area and modest lodging rooms that could accommodate live-in occupants.

Engr. Florencio F. Padernal unveils the Regional Training Center marker assited NIA Region I officials headed by RIM John N. Celeste is accompanied byEOD by TIAR1 President Dominador Aquino witnessed by RIM John N. Celeste, DMs Manager Frida L. Nidoy, AFD Manager Remedios T. Tuliao, ISIMO Manager Adriano Gaudencio M. De Vera, Danilo V. Gomez, Teodoro D. Paragas, Adriano F. Amano, F. Amano, Acting PIMO Manager Teodoro D. Paragas, Acting LUIMO Manager Frida L. Nidoy, ARISEP Asst. Project Manager Ceferino C. Sta. Ana, Pangasinan FIA Gaudencio M. De Vera and INIMO Manager Danilo V. Gomez pose for posterity President Oftociano Manalo and Ilocos Norte FIA President Rogelio Ceredon among with NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal after the latter’s speech during the others during the inauguration. Inauguration of the Regional Training Center.

Bued CIS from page 1 Finally, in 2014, the long wait was answered by a 20Million completion of the project, they were able to compete already and fund allocated by NIA under the CIS Extension Project. And even won the 4th Runner-up award during the recently concluded after its completion on the same year, the farmers were able 2015 Annual Search for Outstanding IAs (CIS Category) during to use their irrigation system to give them again bountiful the 53rd NIA Anniversary on June 22, 2016 held at NIA-Central harvest 3 times a year. Everyone was so happy, thankful Office. The IA is very grateful to all who helped and make their and at the same time astonished that they can still rise up dream realized especially to the NIA for all the support. from their fall. Bued CIS Dam 1 ISA is a living testimony that no amount of trials Its full operation in 2015 was not easy but with the help of can put a resilient Association down who believes in the unity of its the members, NIA, LGU and other government and non- members and to the government who is willing to serve its people. government agencies, the IA emerge and continue what they . . . . . and most of all, an association who have trust and strong had started. They worked hand in hand to bring back what faith in God. they had lost. And its’ amazing that on its first year after the

The Bued CIS Dam 1 ISA, Inc. headed by IA President Victoriano Petina Jr. together with RIM John N. Celeste, IMO Acting Manager Gaudencio M. de Vera and some IA officers as they received their plaque of appreciation and cash prize as 4th Runner-Up in the 2015 Annual Search for Outstanding IAs (CIS Category). 6 ARISEP ORIENTATION SEMINAR

A total of 44 NIA personnel assigned at the Agno River Irrigation System Extension Project (ARISEP) composes the 2nd batch seminar participants on April 6-7, 2016 are expected to gain knowledge, skills and proper work attitude efficiently implement of the 2.6B project during the next three (3) years.

Launched on August 6, 2015, the ARISEP was established in order to rehabilitate, restore and construct new irrigation canals and drainage facilities in the municipalities RIM John N. Celeste delivered his inspirational message to the participants. of San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, , Sta. Maria, Tayug, and Rosales, Pangasinan. The project aims to irrigate 12,800 hectares of farmland to the benefit of at least 10,000 farmers. Seminar topics include historical background, administrative functions, employees’ welfare and benefits, designs & cost estimates, IDP implementation, field construction activities, contracts administration and monitoring and evaluation system.

The first batch seminar was also conducted at the Regional Training Center, NIA Compound, Bayaoas Road, Urdaneta City The second batch participants underwent a two-day orientation program. last March 18-19, 2016. SIMULTANEOUS CONFERENCE NIA RO1 2016 FIRST QUARTER ASSESSMENT RIM John N. Celeste gives some pointers to Division Managers, Irrigation Management Officers (IMOs) and Section Chiefs prior to their individual office presentation featuring accomplishments in Planning & Design, Operation, Institutional Development, Equipment, Construction, and administrative matters. The management activity was held at the Banaoang Pump Irrigation System Training Center (BPISTC), San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur on April 26, 2016. FINANCIAL CONCERNS In a separate conference room, Editha D. Morales, Financial Management Department Manager from NIA Central Office facilitates the Finance Personnel Review and Workshop at the BPISTC from April 25 to 27, 2016. The highly successful seminar was graced by Estrella E. Icasiano, NIA Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance. 7 PROJECT PROFILE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF AGNO RIVER IRRIGATION SYSTEM EXTENSION PROJECT (ARISEP) By: Karisse Charmaine S. Fortez The Agno River Irrigation System Extension Project Second, we have the Institutional Development Activities which (ARISEP) was started on July 2015.The Location of the includes the Project Orientation Seminar which aims to develop Project Office is at EDSA Diliman, Quezon City, which is the the awareness of farmer beneficiaries on the project and to head office while the field office is at Tomana East, Rosales, keep them well- informed of the benefits they could derive Pangasinan. The Project covers the Province of Pangasinan from it. The section conducted Project Orientation Seminar with eight municipalities namely Natividad, San Nicolas, in the Municipality of Tayug, Pangasinan achieving 62% San Quintin, Sta. Maria, Tayug, Balungao, Umingan, and accomplishment of the current target. It also includes a five- day Rosales. seminar on Strategic Planning and Policy Formulation (SPPF) and Gender Based Effectiveness Skills Training (G-Best) held This Project is an extension of Agno River Integrated Irrigation on June 6-10, 2016 at NIA-Regional Training Center, Bayaoas, Project wherein the Irrigation facilities at the left bank area Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. This training was conducted of the re-regulating pond is to be constructed. It involves the to equip the Institutional Development Officers (IDO’s) with construction of ARISEP’s new main canal including other adequate knowledge, attitude and skills in conceptualization related Structures, Project Facilities, Pre-constructional and formulation of policies, programs and projects for irrigators detailed Engineering, Institutional Development Program associations (IA’s) sustainability and enhance critical skills. and Right of Way payment/acquisition. It also includes the improvements of ARIS main canal, laterals and Tanggal The Section had already reached 100% accomplishment on Perez area. In the completion of this project, it will give staff training. In addition to this, the Project Progress Status the assurance of enough water supply to the affected for current year 2016 POW, is the rehabilitation/improvement municipalities and the farmers will be more productive as it of irrigation facilities at ARIS Tangal Perez area is on-going will increase the economic status of their living. under Local Minor Contract (LMC). As follows, are the packages awarded and issued Notice to proceed.-Modification of ARIS In order for this to happen, ARISEP office needs the Tangal Perez Checkgate and Construction of Slope Protection manpower to help the project works. Some of the activities (Mitura Creek Sta.12+382),Rehabilitation of ARIS Tangal Perez per division/section are as follows: Construction Activities: Main Canal from Sta. 2+358 to Sta. 3+007,Rehabilitation of a. Contract Works (LMC)- the implementation of civil works ARIS Tangal Perez Main Canal from Sta. 8+781.40 to Sta. through Local Minor Contract based on the realigned 10+0810,Rehabilitaion of ARIS Tangal Perez Main Canal from Over-all POW and CY 2016 POW,the evaluated physical Sta. 10+082 to Sta. 11+664 and Rehabilitation of ARIS Tangal accomplishment of ARIS CY 2016 and overall is 4.81% Perez Main Canal from Sta. 11+664 to Sta. 13+487. To date, the & 3.03% respectively while at ADRIS area the evaluated evaluated physical accomplishment of CY-2016 POW is 6.52% physical accomplishment for CY 2016 & overall is 0% & while the financial accomplishment of 4.13% and expenditures 2.29% respectively.Next,Survey works-to date, in ADRIS of 47.595M. This Project aims to accomplish major civil works, area, the survey data recorded a total length of 116.942kms The improvements of Agno River Irrigation System (ARIS) on irrigation canal while in ARIS area, a total of length main canal and laterals and Tanggal Perez, construction of of 175.080ks on irrigation canal was also recorded and Ambayoan-Dipalo River Irrigation System(ADRIS) main canal some Right of Way Activities are (identification of farmer and the five siphons including other related structures and lastly, beneficiaries affected, signing of permit to enter, gathering Provision of comprehensive Institutional Development Program of documents and registration of deed of absolute sale and on the covered Systems area. payment).

PADANUM AMIANAN EDITORIAL BOARD JOHN N. CELESTE, DPA FRIDA L. NIDOY REMEDIOS T. TULIAO TEODORO D. PARAGAS GAUDENCIO M. DE VERA ADRIANO F. AMANO DANILO V. GOMEZ EDITORIAL STAFF OSCAR S. NAVATA NIEVES M. DE GUZMAN Managing Editor Editorial Consultant

RONN GERALD S. BERALDE PASTOR P. GOMEZ, JR. Photographer Layout Artist / Photo Renderer CONTRIBUTORS Teresita Lety G. Tandoc Placido B. Duldulao Dolores A. Vera Cruz Cynthia G. Panit Wilma C. Morante Charito A. Tabobo Susana M. Catubig Rex Alvin A. Ravelo Karisse Charmaine S. Fortez Vanessa C. Moulic Domingo R. Agne Vladimir D. Ramones ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF Norielyn C. Cabanayan Quennie A. Tabobo Maria Amor T. Aragon NIA Spearheads Tree Planting in San Quintin

Cheers! This assembly at the NIA Dipalo watershed in Brgy. Nangapugan, San Quintin, Pangasinan marks the start of the tree planting activity.

This year’s NIA annual tree planting in Brgy. Nangarupan, San Quintin, Pangasinan was in cooperation with the Federation of ADRIS-DIPALO Irrigators Association and the Municipal Government of San Quintin, in coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Urdaneta City.

On June 10, 2016, San Quintin Mayor Clark Cecil Tiu delivering his message before the MOA signing by the NIA , IA Federation of ADRIS-DIPALO, a memorandum of CENRO Urdaneta City and the municipal goverment of San Quintin. agreement which stipulates the basic roles of participating agencies, LGU and the Federation of Irrigator’s Association was signed during a simple program held in a kiosk near the tree planting site. Some 200 government officials and employees participated in the event which was ably supported by the Barangay Council of Nangarupan, San Quintin, Pangasinan. A “friendly” trail going to the tree planting hill.