The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) primarily responsible for irrigation development in the Philippines. It was created under Republic Act (RA) 3601 on 22 June 1963. Its charter was later amended by Presidential Decree (PD) 552 on 11 September 1974 and PD 1702 on 17 July 1980, both increasing its capitalization and broadening its authority. Its forerunner was the Irrigation Division of the defunct Bureau of Public Works. PD No.1, dated 23 September 1972, integrated all irrigation activities under NIA.

Administrative Supervision

NIA was placed under the Office of the President (OP) upon its creation by RA 3601. In 1972, it was attached to the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication thru PD No. 1. The Administrative Code of 1987, dated 25 July 1987, attached NIA to both the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Agriculture (DA).

NIA was transferred to OP pursuant to Executive Order No. 22, dated 14 September 1992. Shortly, it was attached to DA under Administrative Order No. 17, dated 14 October 1992. It still retains its GOCC status, enjoying certain autonomy and flexibility in its operations.