March 2022

3 fast-tracked...
03/11/2022 - 10:40am
P997.4-million...
03/18/2022 - 9:01am
NIA highlights...
03/29/2022 - 6:47am

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3 fast-tracked irrigation projects to benefit 2,828 farmers in Caraga Region

March 11, 2022, 10:40 AM
 

NIA Caraga – With President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s virtual presence as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, three of the National Irrigation Administration’s irrigation projects in Caraga Region: the Umayam River Irrigation Project, Mat-i, Ambacon and Pinana-an Irrigation Project, and Sta. Josefa Pump Irrigation Project have been inaugurated and turned over to their respective Irrigation Management Offices on March 8, 2022 at the municipality of Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Costing P2.5 billion, these three projects would irrigate about 7,765.26 hectares of farmlands benefitting 2,828 farmers in Caraga and contribute to the attainment of rice self-sufficiency and food security of the country.

Stalled for several years due to challenges and difficulties in project implementation, these projects have been fast-tracked in the present administration following the mandate of President Duterte of completing these projects during his term.

The P1.4 billion Umayam River Irrigation Project located in Brgy. Waloe, Loreto, Agusan del Sur whose water source is from the Umayam River was started in January 2012 and completed on October 31, 2021. With a service area of 4,314.06 hectares of farmlands, URIP has 1,345 farmer beneficiaries in the municipalities of La Paz and Loreto in Agusan del Sur.

The P584 million Mat-i, Ambacon, Pinana-an Irrigation Project located in Brgy. Ambacon, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte whose water source is from the Ojot River was started on June 8, 2003 and completed on February 24, 2021. With a service area of 1,200.80 hectares of farmlands, MAP IP has 593 farmer beneficiaries in the municipalities of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. 

The P551 million Sta. Josefa Pump Irrigation Project located in Brgy. Patrocinio, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur whose water source is from the Agusan River was started in July 2008 and completed on July 16, 2015. With a service area of 2.250.4 hectares of farmlands, SJPIP has 890 farmer beneficiaries in the municipality of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur.

President Duterte said in his video message, “We are optimistic that this development will bring a more reliable and steady supply of much needed water resources to our industries and communities especially the local agricultural sector.”

Having confidence that these irrigation facilities will benefit the people and serve them for many years, President Duterte continued, “I trust that you will manage and utilize these resources responsibly for the improved welfare of our people and for the greater productivity of the region.”

In his message, NIA Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya said that among other regions in the Philippines, Caraga ranks as the 4th poorest region in year 2018 following Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Zamboanga Peninsula, and Eastern Visayas. He emphasized that there is a common denominator among these four regions – the problem in security, peace and order. Now that the security landscape in Caraga has been changed, the government’s projects are now being implemented smoothly.  Thus, these three inaugurated and turned over irrigation projects would help the region surpass the poverty incidence and so improve the lives of the people, most especially - that of the Filipino farmers.

Attending the event are the local government officials of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur who gave their short messages during the program. Also, representatives from the Irrigators Associations benefitting from these irrigation projects were present to witness the unveiling of the marker, blessing and turnover of the irrigation facilities.

The event was spearheaded by the NIA Caraga Regional Office managed by Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza along with Agusan del Norte IMO Manager, Engr. Adeline H. Manlunas and Agusan del Sur IMO Manager Engr. Peter E. Pablo. Also present is the Department Manager of the Public Affairs and Information Staff Eden Victoria C. Selva of NIA Central Office.

Proof of NIA’s effort of providing efficient and reliable irrigation services to the farmers, these irrigation facilities would contribute to the continuous agricultural growth and sustainable development in Caraga Region.

NIA Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya and NIA Caraga Regional Manager Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza unveiling the marker of the Umayam River Irrigation Project, one of the three turned-over projects

RM Plaza gives his Turnover Message for the three projects inaugurated and turned-over

Administrator Visaya presiding the ceremonial turnover of the key of responsibility from the NIA Caraga Regional Office to the Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur Irrigation Management Offices

Administrator Visaya signing the turnover documents as witness along with RM Plaza

Administrator Visaya delivers his message as he says that now that the security landscape of Caraga has changed, the continuous development of the region is assured.

President Duterte delivers his virtual message as the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the turnover of three irrigation projects in Caraga Region

Group photo of the representatives of the IA beneficiaries of the projects with NIA and LGU officials

 

**For questions and/or clarifications, you may contact:

EDEN VICTORIA C. SELVA
Department Manager A
NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff
E-mail: evcselva2000@yahoo.com
Landline: (02) 8921-3741 loc. 113

 

 

P997.4-million irrigation project in Quezon, on its halfway to completion

March 18, 2022, 9:01 AM
 

NIA CALABARZON – Under the leadership of Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) fast-tracks the construction of the P997.4-million Macalelon Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (MSRIP) located in the Municipality of Macalelon Quezon. On March 10-11, 2022, NIA Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Sector Engr. C’zar Sulaik and NIA CALABARZON Regional Manager Wilson M. Lopez conducted a joint project inspection at the dam site and other irrigation facilities of MSRIP.

The project is one of the big-ticket projects in CALABARZON being implemented by NIA. It includes the construction of a 22.5-meter high zoned-earthfill embankment dam and its appurtenant structures with active storage capacity of 3.5 million cubic meters. The project aims to irrigate a total of 830 hectares of agricultural land on 10 barangays in the Municipality of Macalelon, benefitting at least 700 farmers and their families. The project is set to be completed next year.

During the dialogue with the Irrigators Associations (IAs), DA Sulaik expressed his full support to NIA Quezon Irrigation Management Office (Quezon IMO) in its effort to complete the project on time. He advised the technical personnel directly involved in the project implementation to further strengthen coordination with the contractor and Irrigators Associations (IAs).

“Gusto namin na maisayos na agad itong proyektong ito sapagkat marami sa ating mga magsasaka ang matagal nang naghihintay na mapatubigan ang kanilang mga sakahan. Kaya naman, gawin na natin ang lahat ng paraan para makaabot tayo sa target date completion natin”, he added.

DA Sulaik admits that the project encountered several setbacks during the early stage of implementation due to various factors including but not limited to funding, peace and security, weather conditions, shortage of technical experts, etc.

“Hindi man naging mabilis noong una ang pag-implement natin nitong proyekto, pero makikita naman natin ngayon kung ano ang naging development nito. Kaya naman patuloy lang tayong magtulungan at matatapos natin ito”, he said. He further seeks help from the IAs to help them in re-echoing the development of the construction to the nearby communities for project appreciation.

RM Wilson Lopez, on the other hand, highlighted the potential of Quezon province in terms of irrigation development and agricultural productivity. He assures the IAs of the safety and usefulness of having a small reservoir irrigation project (SRIP) in attaining agricultural development and increasing farmers’ income.

“Kaya po kami nandito ngayon ay para masiguro na maayos nating na-i-implement ang proyektong ito ayon sa ating approved plan. Sa pagtatapos naman po nito, kayo naman po ang makikinabang sa year-round irrigation na maidudulot ng MSRIP”, he emphasized.

NIA officials went on reassuring the affected communities that resettlement area for those who are affected by the irrigation project is underway. Meetings and trainings are also set to inform and capacitate the affected communities on possible income generation upon the completion of the project.

“Pwede tayo magtayo sa may mismong dam site ng mga fish cages para may iba tayong pinagkakakitaan. Possible din na maging eco-tourism site ito gaya ng ibang mga dam natin sa ibang regions. Kaya bukod sa pagsasaka may iba’t ibang posibleng pagkakitaan pa ang ating mga kababayan kapag natapos ito”, Regional Manager Lopez said.

Macalelon SRIP project site in the Municipality of Macalelon, Quezon

Site inspection activities at Macalelon SRIP

Field visit at Macalelon SRIP headed by NIA Deputy Administrator Sulaik (2nd from left)

NIA Deputy Administrator Sulaik during the dialogue with IA officers and farmer-beneficiaries of the Macalelon SRIP

IA officers and farmer-beneficiaries of the Macalelon SRIP

 

**For questions and/or clarifications, you may contact:

EDEN VICTORIA C. SELVA
Department Manager A
NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff
E-mail: evcselva2000@yahoo.com
Landline: (02) 8921-3741 loc. 113
 

 

NIA highlights accomplishments under Duterte Administration

March 29, 2022, 6:47 AM
 

NIA Central Office – With 15 Regional Offices, two Integrated Irrigation Systems Offices, and 64 irrigation management offices (IMOs) nationwide, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) remains true to its mandate of providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable irrigation service to the Filipino farmers.

Under the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, NIA supports the “Build, Build, Build” Program as part of the Duterte Administration’s 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda envisioned to reduce poverty from 21.6% in 2015 to 13-15 percent in 2022 through massive infrastructure platform. NIA started the construction of its big-ticket projects to cover more agricultural areas nationwide, such as P1.029-billion Pasa Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (Isabela), P13.37-billion Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project – Phase II (Tarlac), P11.21-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II (Iloilo), P25.731-billion Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project, P3.5-billion Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project (LARISIP), P4.134-billion Bohol Northeast Basin Multipurpose Dam Project, P31.22-billion Kabulnan 2 Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project, P5.444-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project (North Cotabato), P8.58-billion Tumauini River Multipurpose Project  (Isabela) and P4.372-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation Project (Kalinga) which is also one of the NIA’s eight flagship projects. These big-ticket projects have an aggregate cost of P108.59 billion.

To maximize the utilization of existing irrigation facilities, NIA has embarked on the development of hydropower and solar irrigation projects. As of December 31, 2021, NIA already completed the construction of 333 solar-powered irrigation projects amounting to P1,517,533,450.71. These projects which can generate 4,215.33 horsepower (hp) also provide reliable irrigation water supply to 6,482.62 hectares of agricultural land nationwide, benefitting 8,467 farmers and their families. With the soaring price of gasoline and diesel, these solar-powered pump projects farmers can continue to irrigate their lands free from the burden of shouldering high fuel costs.

With its modernization and innovation platform, NIA utilizes the full potential of its irrigation facilities in agro-tourism, technological advancement, and innovations. Veering away from mere irrigation service, NIA invites interested parties to invest in hydroelectric power projects in 379 identified potential sites nationwide. Five of which are completely operational, thus providing sustainable resources for renewable energy.

Under the term of President Duterte, NIA also started venturing to floating solar power project on its dams and reservoirs as the SN Aboitiz Power Group has constructed a 2,500-square meter floating solar power energy in Magat Dam in Isabela which features solar panels fixed to floats on the water surface.  Instead of focusing on land-based solar project, NIA offers its dams and reservoirs for the water-based project which can achieve the same purpose of increasing power production while saving agricultural lands.

As part of the Agency’s Re-Fleeting Program, NIA purchased 34 units of light and transport vehicles and 18 units of heavy equipment for CY 2017. For CY 2018, NIA acquired 91 units of light/transport vehicles and 18 units of heavy equipment. Meanwhile, five units of heavy equipment and 91 units of light/transport vehicles were set for procurement in 2019. Recently, NIA acquired 345 units of motor vehicles for use in the monitoring and evaluation of the status of ongoing construction and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities nationwide. Similarly, NIA started adopting High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to replace earth and/or lined canals due to its durability, leak-free joints, resistance to corrosion, and long-term cost-effectiveness. The Agency also utilizes Concrete Canvas (CC) as an innovative technique in canal lining construction which offers a faster and easier alternative to conventional concrete.

To promote comprehensive rural development and equal access to opportunities and sustained productivity, Republic Act No. 10969, otherwise known as the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) was signed into law by President Duterte on February 02, 2018. Under the law, all farmers with landholdings of eight hectares and below are exempted from paying the Irrigation Service Fees (ISF) for water derived from National and Communal Irrigation Systems (NISs and CISs).

As of December 2021, the Free ISF Program of the Government has a total of 1,033,778 farmers covering 1,189,503.87 hectares of agricultural land nationwide benefit under the law. Congruently, the National Irrigation Master Plan will pave the way on how to fully develop the remaining 1.4 million out of the 3.1 million hectares of potential areas for irrigation. Based from the NIMP, by 2030, about 75% shall have been provided with irrigation facilities.

For the status of irrigation development as of December 2020, NIA already developed and irrigated 64.12% of the total 3,128,631 hectares of estimated irrigable area. A 4.8% increase in irrigation development was recorded from CY 2016 to CY 2020.

The accomplishments of the NIA headed by Administrator Gen Ricardo R Visaya (Ret) have proven the immeasurable role of irrigation in irrigated agriculture. Indeed, the Duterte Administration has exemplified what true public service really mean – to care for the marginalized sector and for the welfare of the farmers, the agricultural heroes who feed the nation.

MALIGAYANG KAARAWAN, PANGULONG RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE!

 

**For questions and/or clarifications, you may contact:

EDEN VICTORIA C. SELVA
Department Manager A
NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff
E-mail: evcselva2000@yahoo.com
Landline: (02) 8921-3741 loc. 113

 

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