MAY 27, 2025 - Blessed to have water irrigation services that benefit farmers in Sitio Azucena for its rice production area, the AZUMCA IA members from Brgy. Charito, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, has used irrigation for several decades through NIA’s Andanan-Wawa River Irrigation System (AWRIS) to boost its production throughout its two cropping seasons yearly. The IA envisions stepping into the spotlight and is hopeful to win the nationwide search, which shall honor excellence, innovation, and dedication among them, serving as one of the main actors of our agricultural community—the local farmers who signify a stronghold with NIA, being partners of the agency in promoting sustainable water management and increased rice productivity.

With the remarkable work done by AZUMCA irrigators association members that go above and beyond in service and impact to showcase best practices, unique success stories, and transformative initiatives, a VALIDATION was done to assess their year-round performance on the aspects of finance, organizational functionality, and overall operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. This shall give them a chance to be honored for both their organizational accomplishments and shall serve as an inspiration to other existing IAs within their locality.

The evaluation of AZUMCA’s overall performance in calendar year 2024 was done successfully by the validators team from NIA Central Office, which includes Ms. Maricel Del Rosario, Engr. Hans Esguerra, Ms. Lorna P. Villagonzalo, and Ms. Julie Anne De Guzman, through the support of NIA CARAGA Regional Office management, headed by its Regional Manager, Ruby C. Tuan Jr., EOD Manager Rosalina B. Caiña, O&M Chief, Engr. Melina I. Horserada, IDU Chief Susanita V. Gozon, NIA ADS IMO Manager Engr. Peter E. Pablo and his key personnel, Bayugan CLGU duly represented by City Councilor, Hon. Primitivo Alimpoos, representative from its Agriculture Office, BLGU Charito Councilor, Hon. Jupiter Enot, AZUMCA IA President, Mr. Johnny Panangin, his Board of Trustees (BOTs) and farmer/irrigator members.

#BayaNIAn sa #BagongPilipinas
#NIA
#NIACaraga

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

Ruby C. Tuan, Jr, Regional Manager A
Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A

Office/Region: NIA Caraga Region
E-mail: r13@nia.gov.ph
Contact Information: (085) 815-2602

Siargao Island, Philippines – May 13–16, 2025

In a significant move to enhance human resource management across its regional offices, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) conducted a four-day Cascading Activity on Recruitment Procedures and the Preparation of Personnel Services (PS) Reports from May 13 to 16, 2025. Held on Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte, the event gathered 85 NIA personnel from various regions across the Philippines.

The activity aimed to standardize recruitment procedures and improve the preparation of PS reports, ensuring consistency and compliance with guidelines from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). This initiative is part of NIA’s broader strategy to professionalize its workforce and enhance operational efficiency.

Key objectives of the activity included are:

• Standardizing Recruitment Procedures: Aligning recruitment processes across all NIA offices to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with legal standards.
• Improving PS Report Preparation: Enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of PS reports, which are crucial for budgeting, auditing, and human resource planning.
• Capacity Building: Equipping administrative and HR personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement updated procedures effectively.

Participants engaged in various sessions such as workshops, lectures, and group discussions, which focused on:

• Updated Recruitment Guidelines: Understanding the latest CSC and DBM policies and their implications on recruitment practices.
• PS Report Preparation: Learning best practices for compiling and submitting accurate PS reports.
• Case Study Analysis: Addressing real-life scenarios to develop practical solutions to common HR challenges.

The event fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging participants to share experiences and insights from their respective regions. This exchange of ideas not only enhanced individual competencies but also promoted a sense of unity and shared purpose among NIA personnel.

The Cascading Activity in Siargao marked a significant step toward the professionalization of NIA’s workforce. By investing in the development of its personnel, NIA reaffirms its commitment to excellence and its mission of delivering efficient irrigation services to the Filipino people.

#BayaNIAn sa #BagongPilipinas
#NIA
#NIACaraga

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

Ruby C. Tuan, Jr, Regional Manager A
Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A

Office/Region: NIA Caraga Region
E-mail: r13@nia.gov.ph
Contact Information: (085) 815-2602

Tago, Surigao del Sur – May 8, 2025 - In a significant milestone for local agriculture, the Surigao del Sur Irrigation Management Office (SDS IMO) of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) successfully conducted a mass turnover ceremony of four completed Communal Irrigation System (CIS) projects, bringing renewed hope and opportunity to hundreds of farmers across the province.

Held at the SDS IMO compound in Tago, the event saw the formal turnover of the following projects: Sta. Felomina CIS in Tandag City, Haguimitan CIS in San Miguel, Marga CIS in San Miguel and Mabog CIS in Bislig City

With a total project cost of ₱160 million, these CIS projects are expected to significantly enhance irrigation services and improve agricultural productivity in their respective areas.

The activity was highlighted by the ceremonial turnover of the key of responsibility from NIA to the beneficiaries, symbolizing the official transfer of project ownership. This was followed by the signing of turnover documents between NIA and the leaders of the irrigators’ associations.

SDS IMO Manager Engr. Adeline H. Manlunas led the presentation of the project profiles, sharing insights into the planning, implementation, and expected benefits of the irrigation systems. She emphasized that these projects are a result of close collaboration between NIA and the local farmer-beneficiaries.

Representing the NIA Regional Office, Ms. Jane B. Huqueriza, Public Relations Officer A, delivered an inspiring message. “Although the physical infrastructure is complete, our mission does not end here. NIA remains committed to supporting our farmers in their pursuit of increased rice production and agricultural sustainability,” she said.

The farmer-beneficiaries warmly expressed their gratitude to NIA, sharing how the completed systems will now allow them to irrigate their farmlands for two cropping seasons per year — a goal that once seemed out of reach.

Also in attendance were the Presidents and representatives of the four CIS organizations:Pres. Eduard C. Aspirin – Sta. Felomina CIS, Pres. Alejandro Asubar – Haguimitan CIS,Pres. Marjoe Porras – Marga CIS, Pres. Marcial V. Walawal – Mabog CIS.

From NIA, the event was attended by Engr. Paul Urbiztondo, Ms. Nila A. Vasqueza, Project-in-Charge (PICs), and Institutional Development Officers (IDOs), whose efforts were instrumental in project implementation and coordination.

#BayaNIAn sa #BagongPilipinas
#NIA
#NIACaraga

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

Ruby C. Tuan, Jr, Regional Manager A
Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A

Office/Region: NIA Caraga Region
E-mail: r13@nia.gov.ph
Contact Information: (085) 815-2602

To help in a meaningful way to support the residents in Por Cristo Foundation, NIA Caraga management lead by its Regional Manager, Ruby C. Tuan Jr. initiated a donation drive together with his personnel to donate items that shall serve variety of purposes to the elderlies. Funds used for purchase of the items for personal necessities and daily food consumption were derived from contributions of all NIA Caraga personnel. During the event, EOD Manager Rosalina B. Caiña, accompanied by AFD Evelyn C. Encarnado and her fellow NIAns, expressed her sincerest message to the elderlies, giving them importance during this season of love and giving at Por Cristo Foundation’s Compound, Brgy. Abilan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte

#BayaNIAn sa #BagongPilipinas
#NIA
#NIACaraga

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

Ruby C. Tuan, Jr, Regional Manager A
Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A

Office/Region: NIA Caraga Region
E-mail: r13@nia.gov.ph
Contact Information: (085) 815-2602