March 2016

NIA Strengthens Partnership with Bugkalot Tribe
NIA Strengthens...
12/10/2014 - 1:15pm
NIA Pursues Irrigation Project in Quezon, Batangas
NIA Pursues Irrigation...
01/29/2015 - 1:30pm

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NIA Strengthens Partnership with Bugkalot Tribe

December 10, 2014, 1:15 PM

NIA Quezon City - The recent meeting between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), LGU officials, and the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 ended with a positive note as Dr. Florencio F. Padernal took on the lead in clearing the path to resolve issues regarding the tribe's claims.



Two major issues raised by the tribe, led by Mayor of Nagtipunan, Quirino and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, include the percentage share of the tribe from the gross income derived from CalEnergy Power Plant's power generation and at least 10% environmental release from the dam weirs from Casecnan and Taan Rivers.



According to a statement from the Bugkalot Confederation dated November 18, 2014, the 10% environmental water release from dam weirs required as per NWRB Resolution 01-0901 dated September 24, 2001 was ignored resulting to the drying up of the Casecnan and Taan rivers thus affecting the aquatic resources of the rivers and sacrificing the livelihood of many Bugkalot tribesmen.



Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla added that the the most expensive fish in the country, the ludong, started to disappear in the Casecnan River. "All the water goes to Casecnan in Nueva Ecija affecting other localities and creating 'social problems' that push the people to seek help from local politicians," he added.



To address the issues, Dr. Padernal pushed that a timeline of events be prepared and submitted before the year ends to retrace the history of the issues between NIA, CalEnergy, CMIPP, and the Bugkalot tribe. He tapped the NCIP to submit and collate the documents related to the issue to establish an objective history.



Also, the NIA Administrator emphasized on the importance of a convergence meeting among the agencies concerned and stakeholders in January 2015 to create a comprehensive and doable action plan that will address the issues on the project.



Abakada Party-list Representative Jonathan dela Cruz expressed his gratitude to Dr. Padernal for the initiatives that will be undertaken by the agency in line with the concerns of the Bugkalot tribe.



Also present in the meeting were Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation; Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronilo Dubadeb of NCIP; and other NIA officials.


NIA Central Office, Quezon City - Dr. Florencio F. Padernal led NIA officials in meeting with the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 to facilitate the resolution of issues regarding the tribe's claims pertaining to the implementation of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) in Nueva Ecija. Attending the meeting were NIA Deputy Administrators Estrella E. Icasiano and Erdolfo B. Domingo, Atty. Pepito Padilla of Legal Services, PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, CMIPP Manager Alexander Coloma, and Operations Manager Florentino David. Also present were Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla, Abakada Party-list Rep. Jonatahn dela Cruz, Nagtipunan, Quirino Mayor and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation, and Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronio Dubadeb from NCIP.

NIA Pursues Irrigation Project in Quezon, Batangas

January 29, 2015, 1:30 PM

NIA Quezon City - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) entered and signed into a contract amounting to Php 119,452,990.53 on Tuesday, January 27, with New Kanlaon Construction, Inc. for the one-year construction of the Quipot Main Canal and its appurtenant structures. The Quipot Main Canal is one of the essential major components of the Quipot River Irrigation Project (QRIP).

NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal greets New Kanlaon Construction, Inc. President and CEO Antonio Evangelista, the contractor for the construction of Quipot Main Canal and appurtenant structures, during the Pre-Construction Meeting for the project on January 27.

This contract entered into by the agency is part of the continuing efforts to finally complete QRIP in line with its goal to contribute in increasing the country's agricultural productivity through irrigation.

Leading the contract signing, which was done during the Pre-Construction meeting for the project, is Administrator Florencio F. Padernal. It is part of Padernal's efforts to ensure fast implementation of irrigation projects in the country. Representing New Kanlaon Construction, Inc. is its President and CEO Antonio S. Evangelista and Vice President for Property Division Ma. Cristina E. Chung.

Also present during the contract signing and representing NIA were NIA Senior Deputy Administrator and BAC Chairman Felix M. Razo, NIA Region 4A Manager William P. Ragodon, Legal Services Department Manager and concurrent Board Secretary Atty. Genever M. Dionio, Financial Management Department Manager Rebecca C. Malazarte, Engineering Department OIC Engr. Lydia Esguerra, Quezon Irrigation Management Office Chief Engr. Romy M. Lopez, and Engr. Lily Mascariñas of Design and Specifications Division.

QRIP, which started in 2012, aims to provide irrigation water, provide local employment, and increase agricultural productivity in the municipalities of Tiaong, Sariaya, and Candelaria in Quezon and San Juan in Batangas. Upon completion, it is expected to irrigate 3,500 hectares of farmland benefitting around 2,073 farmers.

NIA Officials led by Dr. Florencio Padernal (standing, 4th from L) witness the contract signing for the construction of Quipot Main Canal and its appurtenant structures on January 27, 2014 held at the NIA Central Office in Quezon City. In the photo are: (standing L-R) Engr. Lily Mascariñas, Engr. Lydia Esguerra, Atty. Gene Dionio, Dr. Padernal, Engr. William Ragodon, and Engr. Romy Lopez. (seated, L-R) Ms. Ma. Cristina Chung, Mr. Antonio Evangelista, Engr. Felix Razo, and Ms. Rebecca Malazarte.

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