Press Release

Iwahig Penal-Balsahan Irrigation Project Inaugurated

Friday, January 18, 2013 - 09:15

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala led other guests in the inauguration of the Iwahig Penal-Balsahan Irrigation Project in Puerto Princesa. Said irrigation project which is located within the property of the penal colony was constructed and completed in five (5) months. Total project cost of P40 M, it will irrigate about 414 hectares.

Unlike other NIA Projects, the Iwahig Irrigation Project was constructed with labor force provided by the inmates of the Penal Colony. They were such good and efficient construction workers that the project was completed ahead of schedule. The inmates were also very grateful for the opportunity given them to work on the project as this will give them income to meet their personal needs.

In a dialogue between Secretary Alcala, Bureau of Corrections Director General Gaudencio Pangilinan, NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel agreed to introduce other programs within the Iwahig Penal Colony to make the inmates productive once they get out from Iwahig Penal Colony.

Secretary Alcala was impressed by which the irrigation project was completed because it would mean additional area for production. He said, we are on the right track of achieving our rice self-sufficiency goal. For his part, NIA Administrator acknowledged the support and cooperation of the officials of the Iwahig Penal Colony, the LGU and vowed to continue supporting irrigation development in the province of Palawan.

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NIA Attains Corporate Viability

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 - 15:15

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) attains corporate financial viability in CY 2012, according to financial records submitted by the Finance Department of the agency. This is the first time the NIA attains this status.

Records show that NIA generated P3.7 B in total revenues with total expenditures of P2.4B, giving a Net Income of P1.3 B in CY 2012. Of the total income, Irrigation Service Fees represented 40% which, is the main source of income for the NIA. Incidentally, all the regional offices of the NIA attain financial viability. The region with the highest increment in Net Income is Region 9 with 95% increment. In terms of ISF increment, Region 7 posted the highest. On the other hand, Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS) posted the highest income in terms of money value, followed by Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS), Region 12, 10, and 7.

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Hydropower Plant in Irrigation Systems

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 14:45

The National Irrigation Administration and PNOC Renewables Corporation signed the Memorandum of Agreement on November 7, 2012 for the establishment and operations of a hydropower plant in existing irrigation canals in selected sites within the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS). Four (4) sites have already been validated and it was estimated to produce at least 3,000 KW. Two sites are still subject to validation.

The MOA was signed by NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel and PNOC Renewables Corporation OIC-President and CEO Roger Victor E. Buendia. Earlier on, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by and between DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla. The MOU expresses support and assistance to the newly formed cooperation between NIA and PNOC RC in the establishment and operations of hydropower plants in existing NIA irrigation canals.

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Hydropower Plant in Irrigation Systems

Monday, February 29, 2016 - 14:45

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NIA Into Mini-Hydro Power Plants

Friday, August 31, 2012 - 13:00

NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel ventured into mini hydro power plants in NIA irrigation canals. This idea prop up to Administrator Nangel’s mind after attending a seminar in Japan on climate change. During the seminar, the participants were brought to Kanazawa prefecture where they were shown mini hydro power plants in irrigation canals. He said that NIA has many irrigation canals of the same nature, and if it can be done in Japan, it could also be done in the Philippines.

From then on, there is no turning back for Administrator Nangel. He created a Technical Working Group to spearhead the program. Inventories of irrigation canals with potential for mini hydro power plants were conducted in all NIA irrigation canals. To date, there are about 110 potential sites nationwide.

This program was brought up to JICA who in turn responded and decided to conduct a Preparatory Survey for Mini-Hydropower Development Project in the Philippines. Meetings between NIA and JICA ensued until a Minutes of Discussion was completed and agreed upon. Hence, on July 31, 2012, NIA and JICA signed the Minutes of Discussion as a signal to proceed with the preliminary survey.