Administrator Claro V. Maranan, who viewed the activity as a very 'significant event for the agency,' led the National Irrigation Administration in launching the agency's newest foreign funded project, the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP), together with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Association (JICA) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (JICA). NIA officials from the central and field offices, employees, and other guests watched as the JICA-funded initiative was placed into the limelight at the IEC Auditorium within the NIA Compound on November 19, 2013.
After Deputy Administrator Modesto G. Membreve welcomed the audience in this significant event in NIA, Acting Project Manager, Engr. John Celeste, proudly introduced the project as a complete 5-year intervention to increase the productivity of around 22,563 farmer-beneficiaries from nine different regions nationwide, covering a total service area of 35,670 hecatares, through rehabilitation and restoration of systems, provision of consultancy and institutional development activities as well as giving operation and maintenance equipment, and other agricultural support services.
Senior Deputy Administrator Felix M. Razo, in his message as a strong advocate of NIA-IA partnership, mentioned that the NISRIP is a recognition of the importance of Irrigators Associations in NIA's project implementation. He also believes that NISRIP is one of NIA's means to realize not just the agency's vision of becoming a dynamic and viable government corporation but also to improve the socio-economic status of farmers.
Also gracing the event were the representatives of NIA's partners in the implementation of the project - JICA and PHILRICE. Sachiko Takeda, the Senior Representative of JICA, reminded for a close coordination among the involved agencies to ensure the synergy of project components towards inclusive growth and optimal results. Dr. Aurora Corrales of PHILRICE on the other hand challenged NIA to ensure that NISRIP is not just a project with a perfect plan but should also be implemented as it was perfectly designed.
Before the NISRIP marker was unveiled, Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Lorna Grace B. Rosario closed the program saying that "NISRIP is another force for the realization of NIA's objectives, mission, and vision with the cooperation of the strengthened Irrigators Association."
