HI-END TELECONFERENCING

3rd SEMESTER MILESTONES (JULY - DECEMBER 2019) Live teleconfercing was introduced in NIA R1 under the administration of Ricardo R. Visaya to facilitate a long distance - realtime top level management interaction with the use of modern technology. INTERACTION WITH NEW AGRICULTURE CZAR LEADERSHIP TURNOVER JULY - DECEMBER 2019 NIA HOLDS GRAND STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM IN ILOCANDIA City, The National Irrigation Administration Regional Office No. 1 (NIA R1) successfully conducted its 2nd A ceremonial turnover of leadership at Lower Agno River Irrigation System Stakeholders' Forum for Ilocos Norte Improvement Project (LARISIP) in Tomana East, Rosales NIA Acting Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel (right) escorts agriculture between outgoing Project Manager Wilson M. Lopez and Angelito S. Irrigation Management Office (INIMO) Secretary William Dar during the Stakeholders Forum of Department of Miguel. The ceremony was presided by NIA Deputy Administrator C’zar at the Northstellar Hotel and Events Agriculture which was held in Cabugao . M. Sulaik. Place in Batac City, Ilocos Norte on IRRIGATION MACHINERIES FOR FARMERS ADMINISTRATOR’S VISIT October 4, 2019. Guest of Honor and Speaker, NIA Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya said that the main objective of the forum which was attended by representatives of various farmers organizations, heads of government NIA Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya delivers his message to some 400 guests and parti- line agencies, public officials and cipants composed of farmer leaders, local government officials, representatives of various line agencies, and peoples organizations at the NorthStellar Hotel in Batac City, in Ilocos Norte. representatives of LGUs is to provide a venue for the efficient transfer of 'know NIA BEEFS UP IDP IMPLEMENTERS how' and exchanges of information A Supervisory Monitoring among stakeholders in order to NIA distributes a total of 80 units of water pump intended to generate fast track irrigation development in 40 hectares in the 4th district of Pangasinan. The Groundwater Pump Evaluation and Support (SMES) Ilocos Norte. He further explained Irrigation Project (GPIP) amounting to 5M will benefit some 200 farmers Administrator Gen Ricardo R Visaya (Ret) cajoles with rank and seminar and workshop was represented by various irrigators association in the municipalities of San file employees during his recent visit at NIA R1 office in Bayaoas, that irrigation development must Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, , and the City of . Urdaneta City. organized for Institutional not be hampered to increase Development Program (IDP) PLEDGE OF SUPPORT NIA R1 SALUTES NEW PROFESSIONALS agricultural productivity and farmers implementers at the NIA income throughout the country. Col. central office from September Audrey Pasia, Commander of the 30 to October 4, 2019. Selected SMES participants listen intently during their 702 Infantry Brigade who reported supervisors and employees management interaction held at the NIA central office in Quezon City. (photo by A. Aragon) the state of the province’s internal representing NIA Regions 1 security underscored the relevance of to 13 and representatives and Umayam RIS participated in peace and order in the community. of Upper Pampanga River the 5-day management activity He emphasized that with significant cont. on page 3 Integrated Irrigation System to review IDP accomplishments of the agency as of September (UPRIIS), Magat River Acting Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel congratulates 2019. Avelino Aquino, Sr. IDO WHAT effort is being undertaken in the Pangasinan Confederation of Irrigators Associations (PCIA), Integrated Irrigation System page 5 Princess Shaira Grace Toralba, Accounting Processor B who said that the planning workshop promotion of the Free Irrigation Inc. President-elect Ernesto Pamuceno hands over a memento passed the recent board exam for Certified Public Accountants (MARIIS),Comprehensive Service Act? to Acting Regional Manager Engr. Angelito S. Miguel at the NIA Licensure. Cherry Ann Pajulas and June Marlowe Soriano, Sr. Agrarian Reform Program aims to further capacitate Regional Office No. 1, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Data Encoder and Institutional Development Officer respectively field personnel with the end during the flag raising ceremony. The gesture symbolizes PCIA’s Irrigation Component (CARP- WHO passed the Civil Service Exam (professional level). Lookin on is view of strengthening farmers page 6 calls the shots in ISIMO? pledge of support to the newly appointed NIA Manager. Eng. Leonila G. Fenandez, OIC for Engineering & Operations IC), Small River Irrigation Project Division. (SRIP), National Irrigation organizations, particularly Food for the Spirit: Sector Rehabilitation and Irrigators Associations (IAs) who maintain their partnership WHY Government Information Officers Ethics make one’s soul mannerly and wise, but logic is the armory of reason furnished Improvement Project (NISRIP) page 7 in Region 1 convened in City? with all offensive and defensive weapons. -Thomas Fuller cont. on page 3 2 7 LOVE and KISSES by: Oscar S. Navata GAD LEADERSHIP TRAINING Random Impressions... As a continuing adherence By: Grace Lina T. Langit As of this writing, the so-called Ber-Month Fever has started to to the provisions of RA 9710 NIA R1 UNDERGOES EXTENSIVE AUDIT rekindle the spirit of people from popularly known as Magna The Regional Office Internal Control Monitoring Unit (ICMU) is all walks of life who anticipate Carta of Women, NIA R1 currently conducting a region-wide financial audit to the four (4) the coming of the longest annual under the leadership of its Irrigation Management Offices (IMOs) and the Regional Office Filipino festivity – Christmas Acting Regional Manager from October to December 2019. The scope of internal audit celebration. It is the start of a has embarked on another includes the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and magical season where people yet significant Gender and reliability of the Region’s and IMOs’ internal controls. The audit are spell-bound to reflect on Development (GAD) Training objectives, among others, are as follows: 1. To validate actions year-end accomplishments and for Managers, Section Chiefs taken relative to COA and IAS findings for CY 2018 and prior years; areas for personal improvement and GAD Focal Persons at 2. To validate actions taken of all IMOs relative to the Financial Audit in their career, business, family Report by ICMU for CY 2018; 3. To conduct comprehensive audit the Leisure Coast Hotel in relationship, socio-economic Bonuan, Dagupan City last of activities particularly compliance with established procedures status, health, love life and most Participants of the GAD Training pose for posterity with facilitator-mentor Ms. Monette S. San- October 28-30, 2019. The main tos after a simple graduation ceremony at the Justine Hall, Leisure Coast Resort in Bonuan, and adherence with accounting principles and practices; 4. To importantly spiritual nourishment. objective of the the three-day Dagupan City. audit all accountable officers in compliance to MC No. 34 s. 2004 In today’s modern world, most training which was facilitated (Strengthening Internal Controls and Sactions); 5. To ascertain people are preoccupied if cash is controlled, accounted for and deposited in a timely by Ms. Monette S. Santos, PIA SPONSORS GOVT INFO with acquisition of high end manner in accordance with Agency policies and applicable accredited expert-trainer from gadgets, signature clothes, travel regulations; 6. To assess cash advance and petty cash accounts OFFICERS TRAINING opportunities, and of course the the Philippine Commission and determine its appropriate liquidation procedures; 7.To Baguio City privilege of surfing through the on Women is to equip the ascertain if ASA and cash releases were appropriately obligated, participants with ample skills The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Association utilized and disbursed; 8. To validate breakdown of weekly cash internet and excessive use of the of Regional Government Information Officers (ARGIO) jointly social media. and relevant knowledge balances as indicated in the Statement of Weekly Cash Balance; about gender mainstreaming organized a special training with the theme: "Empowering 9. To evaluate financial reporting procedures adapted by the What is the true meaning and monitoring system, sex dis- Communities Through Government Communication Networks. office if in conformity with government accounting procedures. of Christmas ? aggregated data, harmonized With more than fifty participants from different LGUs, NGAs and This financial audit also provides assurance across all IMOs and line agencies, the training was held at the Venus Park View Most people today, (teens in GAD Guidelines and the the Regional Office the extent to which management ensures Hotel, Baguio City on November 6-8, 2019. Relevant topics particular), equate happiness importance of reporting as that significant risks are identified, assessed and appropriately include, servant leadership, citizens journalism, advocacy to with material success, a.k.a. basis for decision making. managed. end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), social media accumulation of wealth, which management and analytics, development communication UPBEAT FOR CY 2020 has become the main source LOVE... from page 2 writing, content creation and basic video and photo editing. of personal satisfaction and self something inside?” Primarily, the objective of the training is to strengthen the network motivation. Perhaps is timely and The little girl looked up at her of government information officers and capacitate them in significant to reminisce an old dad in tears and cried; “Oh, providing accurate, timely and relevant public information. story which dwells on the true daddy, it’s not empty at all. meaning of Christmas. The story I blew kisses into the box. goes something like this: They’re all for you, daddy.” Long time ago, a man scolded his The father was devastated. young daughter for wasting a gift He put his arms around his wrapping paper. Because money daughter, and begged for was tight, he got angry when the her forgiveness. child tried to decorate a box and A little while later, the girl put it under the Christmas tree. died in an accident. Her Irrigation Management Think Tanks. Managers and supervisors The little girl brought the gift to her father kept the gold box by convened at the Regional Training Center here for the 3rd father on Christmas day and said, his bed for many years and, Quarter Regional Management Conference last September “This is for you, daddy.” whenever he was feeling 26-27, 2019 in preparation for the implementation of various The man felt very uncomfortable down, he would take out an programs, projects and activities for CY 2020. Aside from the because of his overreaction few imaginary kiss and remember four IMO Managers, top officials from the Lower Agno River days earlier. Worse, his anger the love of the child who had Irrigation and Improvement Project (LARISIP) and Ilocos Norte- recurred when he found out that put it there. Lesson? Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project (INISAIP) participated in the the box was empty. He yelled at The most beautiful things in management activity on target gap assessment, catch up her daughther: “Don’t you know this world are not seen by the Multiplatform journalist Kori Quintos lectures on Citizens Journalism during Government In- plans and human resource development. Acting Regional that when you give someone naked eyes, but felt by the formation Officers Training with the theme “Empowering Communities Through Government Communication Networks “ on November 6, 2019 at Venus Park View Hotel, Baguio City. Manager Angelito S. Miguel spearheaded the two-day a gift, there’s supposed to be heart. cont. on page 7 management session. 6 3 GRAND... from page 1 IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP TURNOVER IN ISIMO reforms in agriculture under the Duterte By: Domingo R. Agne administration, it is expected that COVENANT SIGNING by: June Keithly R. Salvador “Leadership begins with a insurgency - related activities being instigated by left - leaning groups to vision, a clear picture of what hamper national progress will soon be an agency can become – a thing of the past. Meanwhile, NIA with goals to achieve and Acting Regional Manager Angelito S. plans for the future. Vision Miguel reported on the government’s underlies and underpins all stepped up reforms in irrigation leadership. Leadership begins development. He cited the ongoing when a vision emerges”. big ticket projects in the province Ilocos Sur Irrigation such as the multi - million Ilocos Norte Management Office (ISIMO) Irrigation Project (INIP), the National has a new acting Division Irrigation System Rehabilitation and Manager A in the person of Improvement Project (NISRIP) which Incoming Ilocos Sur Irrigation Management Office (ISIMO) Acting Manager Gertrudes A. Viado operates the Madongan and Solsona Engr. Gertrudes A. Viado, was presented and acknowledge before NIAns at the newly constructed annex building at the MBA. She replaced Engr. NIA compound in Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur. In photo are outgoing OIC Merfino S. Beralde (left) and River Irrigation Systems and the Sulvec Adriano F. Amano, MPA who past immediate ISIMO Manager Adriano F. Amano. Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SSRIP). turned over the management of ISIMO to Engr. Viado in a simple yet heart-warming ceremony The momentous event culminated last June 21, 2019. The event was attended by NIA employees from the different offices of with signing of covenant that seeks to speed up the construction and ISIMO and officials from the Regional Office who came all the way from Urdaneta City. rehabilitation of irrigation facilities with In his message, Engr. Amano expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all his co-employees for their Top NIA Officials headed by administrator Ricardo R. Visaya (middle), elected public officials utmost cooperation and support strong support during his term because without them, “it would not be possible for me to and representatives of various stakeholders signed the MOA expressing full support to irrigation from every sector of the society. development in the province of Ilocos Norte. Also in photo are Deputy Administrator for Admin pursue my vision for ISIMO.”, Amano said. He added that he believes in the competence of Important provisions of Republic and Finance matters Romeo G Gan (extreme right) and NIA Acting Regional Managerr Angelito the incoming Acting Division Manager to lead ISIMO and continue the reforms he initiated Act 10969 otherwise known as the S. Miguel. Last October 04, 2019 (Friday) the 2nd Stakeholders’ during the past decades. “This is a new challenge for you to face; you apply now the good Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) of Forum in the Province of Ilocos Norte was held at the Northstellar things you have learned and experienced from your previous work assignments”. In her 2018 is currently being streamlined Hotel and Events Place, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. This event was acceptance speech, Engr. Viado said that with the support of her co-employees, they will by NIA to assertain that farmers be able to fulfill their tasks and bring NIA to greater heights. She assured them that she will benefits will be delivered efficiently. graced by the Governor’s representative, Congressman of the work hard in reaching out to the farmers by providing services to further improve irrigation Second District’s representative, Officials of the 702nd Infantry systems that will redound to increase rice productions. ” Under my administration, rest assured NIA BEEFS... from page 1 Brigade Philippine Army, Six Local Chief Executives and Nine in representation of their Local Chief Executives, NIA-Central Office that ISIMO will continue to strive for the better and that I will spearhead the protection and with NIA through Irrigation Officials headed by NIA Administrator, NIA Regional Office 1 maintenance of irrigation istructures and facilities to sustained the projects in partnership with Management Transfer (IMT) employees headed by the Acting Regional Manager, Ilocos Norte Irrigators Associations”. contract. IDP implementers are Irrigation Management Office employees and staff headed by inherently equipped with survey its Division Manager, Project Engineers and representatives of the tools to evaluate IA performance ISIMO Prepares for Canal Inspection Special Projects, i.e. INIP 2 (which was renamed INISAIP), NISRIP, and capabilities in the following By: Domingo R. Agne and Sulvec-SRIP, Irrigators’ Associations Presidents, Officials and areas of concern: 1. (operation Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur – distribution of water (schedule) Members - both from the National and the Communal Irrigation and maintenance (o&m), 2. Operation and Maintenance particularly during dry season. System, Seven Officials from other government sectors and other organizational development, (o & m) personnel together Most significant is the assesment guests. 3. financial management, It was indeed a peaceful and prolific opportunity to address with Institutional Development of the present condition of ability to negotiate with other the issues, problems, concerns and recommendations of every Section (IDS) representatives lateral canals in preparation agencies for various assistance local government institutions as well as farmers’ requests, where conducted pre-inspection for the upcoming Inter-IMO programs, 4. capability to the agency had prudently gave particular note, especially the activities of various irrigation Maintenance Visitation which acquire IA office, 5. establish underlying needs of most of the Irrigators Associations wherein an systems here last October 4, is scheduled in November this model farm and adoption of irrigation meeting was provided for them after the stakeholders’ 2019. On-field sharing of best year. O & M and Institutional Development best practices worth emulating forum to give more emphasis regarding their corresponding needs Program (IDP) personnel inspect ISIMO facilities practices occured after some Elimination of shrubs, household by other farmers organizations. in order for the agency to deliver a better irrigation service for during a mock inspection in anticipation of the Aquino added that a unified exchanges of ideas during the garbage, treatment of deeply scheduled inter-IMO Maintenance Visitation. everybody. The Administrator’s message contains his declaration template was also introduced pre-assesment. Some pointers rooted trees and repair works conveyance of observations, to help our farmers, in lowering the production cost of palay; during the workshop which will for improvements were given for non-functional steel gates dissemination to concern Irrigator’s looking for more sources of fund; and to be able to expand be subjected to fine tunning in irrigable areas. He ended his speech with this note, to quote “Hindi especially on conventional were mostly identified as priority Associations for a prompt action order to monitor the action plans ko kayo pababayaan!” “Seriously, I want your cooperation. This is farming methods and concerns after the walkthrough to be jointly under taken by NIA and accomplishment report of my birthplace hindi ko kayo bibiguin, I have no political affiliation, practices particularly on the inspection. Subsequently, and IAs concerned. IDP implementers nationwide. my intention is service.” 4 5 27M WORTH OF IRRIGATION PROJECTS AWARDED IN PANGASINAN NIA INTENSIFIES PROMOTION OF San Jacinto, Pangasinan FISA BENEFITS The National Irrigation NIA R1 has sought the services of Administration Regional Office the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster No. 1 (NIA R1) headed by Acting ng Pilipinas (KBP Pangasinan Regional Manager Angelito S. Chapter) in the promotion of its Miguel turned over a Communal various programs and projects. Irrigation System (CIS) to the Acting Regional Manager Awai-Labney-Lobong Irrigators Angelito S. Miguel as guest in the Association (ALLIA), Inc. during regular KBP forum last October a symbolic rite here in 17, 2019 at the PIA Office in Awai. The construction of the Peoples Astrodome, Dagupan 27M Labney Balanay CIS which City provided the latest updates started in 2016 will initially benefit on irrigation development in NIA R1 Acting Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel tackles latest updates in irrigation develop- Officials and members of the Labney Balanay CIS, Inc. attended the ceremonial briefing the province particularly the ment at the KBP Forum hosted by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) at the at least 100 farmers in the area, Peoples Astrodome in Dagupan City. of Labney Balanay CIS irrigation facility in San Jacinto, Pangasinan. agency's campaign on free Miguel said in his speech. Under all loans of Irrigators Associations win the support and cooperation irrigation service under RA 10969 the terms and conditions of under the Communal Irrigation of farmers’ organization to help and its implementing rules and Irrigation Management Transfer System (CIS) to NIA including actualize the good intention of the regulations. Under the Free (IMT) contract, the Association amortization of payments, Philippine government. Meanwhile, Irrigation Service Act of 2018, is mandated to manage the their past due accounts and Engr. Rosendo So, Chairman exempted from paying irrigation facility which includes sustained corresponding interests and of Samahan ng Industriya at service fee (ISF) are of the National maintenance and clearing of penalties will also be condoned Agrikultura (SINAG) tackled the irrigation System (NIS) with an small irrigation canals under and stricken off. In related various measures being employed aggregate landholdings of 8 IA jurisdiction. On the other interview, Avelino S. Aquino, Sr. by the national government to hectares and below. Aside from hand, aside from managing IDO explained that bureaucratic prevent the spread of African Swine being exempted from paying major irrigation facilities, NIA administrative requirements to Fever (ASF) in the province that the ISF, all their back accounts shall continue provide various implement such privileges entail would certainly affect agriculture and corresponding penalties will capability building programs to a lot of paper work. Aquino said and the poultry industry in be condoned and stricken off further strengthen the Association that a sustained effort from the particular. The forum was covered from the books of NIA. Similarly, thru its institutional development agency is necessary in order to live by DZRD Sonshine Radio. thrust. Engr. Aurelia Reasonda, Assistant Manager of Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) said that for CY 2019 hundreds of irrigation water Acting Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel hands over a memento to President Mely De Vera of Labney Balanay CIS IA, Inc. during the turnover ceremony in Brgy. Awai, San Jacinto. The pumps amounting to 170 event was graced by 4th District Representative Christopher De Venecia, San Jacinto Mayor million pesos was allocated to Leo De Vera and former Speaker of the House Jose De Venecia, Jr. and his wife Georgina. generate 2,614 and restore 167 hectares of farmland respectively MORE WATERPUMPS FOR FARMERS throughout the province. Accordingly, budget allotment for Establishment of Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project (EGPIP) represents 21% of the total fund allotment. The Fourth District of Pangasinan, which represents the towns of San Fabian, San Jacinto, NIA R1 recently signed a new MOA with Radyo Pilipinas to Mangaldan, Manaoag and the extend its block time program, this time with emphasis on the City of Dagupan received a total A total of 265 units of irrigation waterpump were distributed by NIA R1 salient features of the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) of 2018. of 80 units which were distributed to farmfolks of , Pangasinan. PIMO Manager Gaudencio In this segment, Radio announcer Verna Beltran interviews Engr. among farmers organizations. M. De Vera said that the project amounting to 10M is in conformity Cipriano Y. Yabut, Chief of the Agno-Sinocalan-Dumoloc River with the approved budget projects for calendar year 2019 in the The momentous event was Irrigation System during the segment of "Irigasyon ay Buhay" at graced by Pangasinan 4th District province of Pangasinan. Present during the ceremonial distribution were Jessica Goeco, Chief of staff of congresswoman Rose Marie DZMQ Radio Station in Bonoan Tondaligan, Dagupan City. Yabut Representative Christopher Arenas, Raul R. Sabangan, Municipal Vice Mayor of Bayambang said that there is a felt-need to boost the campaign in securing De Venecia and San Jacinto and Engr. Angelito S. Miguel, NIA R1 Acting Regional Manager. basic requirements to efficiently implement the provisions of the Municipal Mayor Leo De Vera. noble Act intended for the farmers and land owners.