New NIA Chief presents Four-point Agenda in MIMAROPA
(Left): NIA Administrator Peter Tiu Laviña delivers his message stating his four-point agenda. (Right) NIA MIMAROPA Acting Regional Manager Ramon A. Bugacia welcomes Administrator Laviña on his first time visit in the region.
Oriental Mindoro - New National Irrigation Administration Chief Peter Tiu Laviña presents his four-point agenda during his visit in MIMAROPA on January 19, 2017. These are: implementation of free Irrigation Service Fee (ISF), undertaking of irrigation projects, harnessing water resources for hydropower, and institutional review of mandate, programs and activities of the agency.
During his meeting with the NIA MIMAROPA Regional Office staff headed by Acting Regional Manager Ramon A. Bugacia, Mindoro Oriental-Marinduque-Romblon (MOMARO) Irrigation Management Office headed by Acting Division Manager Lowell L. Lozano and representatives of Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Baco-Bucayao RIS and Pula Bansud RIS headed by Mr. Calixto Isla, Administrator Laviña stated the thrusts of NIA in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s goals.
“Kaya ang pinaabot natin sa ating mga farmer beneficiaries ay shared responsibility of operations and maintenance ng ating systems. Bagama’t libre ang ating tubig, hindi naman libre ang ating facilities.” emphasized Administrator Laviña in his message. “Tutulungan natin ang mga Irrigators Association na mas mapalakas pa ang kanilang hanay.”
With the free irrigation fees, the administrator mentioned that the IAs should look for other source of funds like monthly dues and membership fees. He also mentioned that the agency is looking for model IAs who can overcome the said new policy of NIA.
Moreover, Administrator Laviña ensured that there will be more irrigation projects. The current irrigation development of the region is 57.77%; this is almost the same with the status of the national level. NIA still needs to irrigate 40% of the potential irrigable areas.
Lastly, he enlivened the NIA staff with good news on the grant of all benefits upon receipt of all legal basis.
After the meeting, Administrator Laviña together with Acting Regional Manager Bugacia and other NIA MIMAROPA heads of offices visited the Baco Bucayao RIS dam located at Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The said irrigation project was once damaged by Typhoon NONA in 2015.
Administrator Laviña together with Acting Regional Manager Bugacia and other NIA MIMAROPA heads of offices visited the Baco Bucayao RIS dam located at Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Said project was once damaged by Typhoon NONA in 2015.
