Mini-Hydro Power Plants in Irrigation Systems

Friday, April 27, 2012 - 07:00

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has identified 32 possible sites for mini-hydro power plants in NIA managed irrigation systems, 26 in Luzon, 2 in Visayas and 4 in Mindanao. These sites will have a total capacity of 15,214 KW.

The idea of putting up mini-hydro power plants in irrigation systems came up after NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel visited Japan, where he saw mini-hydro power plants installed in irrigation canals. He said that while it can be done in Japan, it can also be done in the Philippines where the same elevation of irrigation canals abounds. Upon his arrival, Administrator Nangel issued Memorandum Circular No. 55 S 2011, to all Regional/Operations Managers of NIA to identify possible sites for mini-hydro power plants in irrigation canals/systems, providing therein guidelines/criteria.

Administrator Nangel said that the project would require installation of turbine engine in irrigation canals to turn it into a mini hydro-power plant. "Our irrigation systems are mostly located in far-flung barangays and putting up this project is a great help to the prospective beneficiaries", he added.

NIA Region 12 Celebrates 34th Anniversary

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 14:15

NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 34th Founding Anniversary of NIA Region 12. In his message, he congratulated the regional office for their exemplary performance and encouraged the NIA employees and Irrigators Association alike to continue with their seal of excellence in providing service to its clientele.

The only regional office to celebrate its founding anniversary, NIA Regional Office No. 12 celebrated its 34th founding anniversary on April 19, 2012. The five provinces comprising NIA Region 12, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Saranggani took turns in hosting each day’s activities. It is a three-day festivities culminating with awarding of the best among the best in the region – Outstanding NIA and Irrigators Associations.

Leading this year’s major awardees are: Engr. C’zar M. Sulaik from Cotabato as the Most Outstanding Irrigation Management Office Manager; Engr. Gina L. Lozano from Saranggani as Most Outstanding O&M Chief; Bulacanon IA from Cotabato as the Most Outstanding Irrigators Association – CIS category; and Napal-Conel Road IA from General Santos City as the Most Outstanding IA – NIS category.

Other outstanding awardees are Engrs. Edna C. Bantala, Flora May D. Respicio, Rory F. Avance, Orlando A. Tibang, Julio L. Antenor, Cesar D. Agduma and Mary Grace S. Gonzales.

President Aquino Approves Big Irrigation Projects

Friday, March 23, 2012 - 16:00

President Benigno Aquino III approves four big irrigation projects that would boost irrigation development of the country. These projects are Casecnan II in Nueva Ecija, Jalaur II in Iloilo, Umayam in Agusan del Sur and the National Irrigation Systems Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) - a nationwide project. The four irrigation projects have a combined total cost of about P23,833.90 M, of which P19,012.34 M is loan while P4,821.56 M is GOP counterpart. The project will generate new area of 36,550 ha and will rehabilitate 98,010 ha benefiting 98,615 farmers.

NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel is very happy about the development because it would mean dependable irrigated area that would contribute to the rice self-sufficiency program of the government. "The approval of these projects is very significant because we are on the right direction towards attaining our goal of generating more irrigated areas needed for our rice self-sufficiency program", Nangel said. "President Aquino is really bent on making the country rice self-sufficient as part of his program to alleviate poverty", Nangel added.

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