A photo opportunity between Israel team and NIA key officials. (1st level from Level L-R) Present during the discussion are NIA Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Ms. Estrella E. Icasiano, H.E Ambassador Ephraim Ben Matityau, NIA Administrator Dr. Florencio F. Padernal, Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Mr. Erdolfo B. Domingo, (2nd level from L-R) Public Affairs and Information Staff Manager Ms. Pilipina P. Bermudez, Jerusalem Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Division South East Asia Department Desk Officer Yaniv Revach. Israel Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Hadass Nisan, Institutional Development Division Manager Engr. Bayani P. Ofrecio, and Department Manager (Detailed to Administrator's Office) Ms. Virginia R. Atienza.
NIA Central Office, Quezon City - NIA Top Management led by NIA Administrator Dr. Florencio F. Padernal amiably welcomes H.E Ambassador Ephraim Ben Matityau and his delegates for a casual discussion about irrigation system and development held at 2nd Floor NIA Administrator's Office on January 11, 2016.
"We are appraised with your visit here in NIA" Dr. Padernal told the Israeli delegates as they exchange greetings before the actual conversation commence. The talk mainly revolves around exchanging of thoughts about irrigation development focusing on water-users in the Philippines as well as in Israel. During the discussion, Dr. Padernal revealed that the agency is currently planning to go to different neighboring Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Taiwan and now including Israel to study how irrigation works in those countries. This effort will focus primarily in studying current systems and learning new technologies being used by other countries enabling the Philippines thru NIA to cope up with the trend.
H.E Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ephraim Ben Matityau listens to NIA Administrator Dr. Florencio F. Padernal about his intention in visiting Israel. Taking down notes on his side are Israel Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Hadass Nisan and Jerusalem Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Division South East Asia Department Desk Officer Yaniv Revach
Administrator Padernal acknowledged that the visit in neighboring countries will be vital in coming up with right decisions in irrigation reforms. "Instead of using consultants we want to look it at our own" he added. He mentioned that all the outputs collated will be integrated within NIA's national and regional master plan.
Aside from Asian countries, Dr. Padernal also intends to go to Israel for the same purpose. He wanted to have a wider perspective in addressing issues like Irrigation Service Fee (ISF), minimizing water loses and the likes. Upon learning the intents of NIA, Ambassador Matityau quickly responded positively telling everyone about the best irrigation practices being observed and performed in Israel. The ambassador further expressed his satisfaction with the current irrigation system of Israel and even asking the NIA management to keep in touch in the future. Dr Padernal on the other hand wishes to have more meet-ups with the Israeli team to further strengthen the working relationship.
The discussion were witnessed by NIA Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Mr. Erdolfo B. Domingo, NIA Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Ms. Estrella E. Icasiano, NIA Operations Department Manager Engr. Romeo M. Lopez, Institutional Development Division Manager Engr. Bayani P. Ofrecio, Public Affairs and Information Staff Manager Ms. Pilipina P. Bermudez, and Manager Virginia R. Atienza. Along with Ambassador Matityau were Israel Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Hadass Nisan, Jerusalem Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Division South East Asia Department Desk Officer Yaniv Revach and Embassy Trade Director Ms. Jonie.
NIA Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Ms. Estrella E. Icasiano and PAIS Manager Ms. Pilipina P. Bermudez welcome Israel Ambassador to the Philippines H.E Ephraim Ben Matityau.
