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"Management by going around" is what Administrator Antonio S. Nangel of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) strategy in running an agency as huge as the NIA. Administrator Nangel believes that going down to the level where the action takes place, is more effective in knowing first-hand the real situation in the field.

His sorties started in Vigan, Ilocos Sur where he attended the Project Managers’ Conference which aimed to assess the progress of project implementation of big projects nationwide. Project Managers whose projects were evaluated to be lagging behind were advised to prepare catch-up plans in order to complete the projects as targeted. The generated areas of these projects contribute to the target areas for attaining the rice self-sufficiency program.

The project visitation of the completed Banaoang Pump Irrigation Project along with a Farmers' Forum was next in the Administrator's itinerary. Together with DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Administrator Nangel briefed Secretary Alcala of the various components of the pump project as well as other important information such as the total project cost, irrigated area, farmer-beneficiaries and funding source. During the Farmers’ Forum, Secretary Alcala advised the farmers to utilize the irrigation system as efficient as possible to reap utmost benefits from it. With the irrigation system, the farmers are now assured of irrigation water supply throughout the year.

The National Irrigation Administration celebrated its 48th Founding Anniversary during the Irrigation Week on June 20-24, 2011. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during its anniversary program held on June 24, 2011 at IEC Bldg, NIA Office, Quezon City (see separate story).

Highlighting the celebration is the awarding of recognition to outstanding performers both from the NIA and from the Irrigators Associations (IA). From the NIA, the highest award of Most Distinguished Award went to no less than the NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel, together with Engr. Reynaldo C. Mencias and Engr. Reynado C. Adao, Project Managers of Agno River Integrated River Irrigation System and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project-Irrigation Component, respectively. Administrator Nangel was also conferred the Hall of Fame Award for receiving three consecutive Most Outstanding Operations Manager of the Year, a feat he earned while he was the Operations Manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS). Other awardees include Regional Manager of the Year for Engr. Alberto B. Lacuaren, Regional Manager of NIA Region 9, Most Outstanding Frontline Irrigation Manager to Engr. Josephine B. Salazar from UPRIIS, Outstanding Frontline Irrigation Managers, Most Outstanding ISF Collector of the Year, Outstanding ISF Collector of the Year, among others.