Many of our watersheds today are invariably degraded, which has a significant impact on irrigation facilities. Andanan Watershed was one of the 163 identified critical watersheds that support the National Irrigation System (NIS).
To rehabilitate the watersheds, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Agusan del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ADS-IMO) launched a central tree nursery, seedling distribution, and ceremonial tree planting as part of the initial phase of the Rehabilitation and Protection of Water Resource Supporting Irrigation Systems (R & P WRSIS) program for the Andanan River Irrigation System (RIS) held on February 24, 2022 at Andanan Dam, Brgy. Sta. Irene, Bayugan City.
The R&P WRSIS program facilitated the need to establish and delineate NIA's respective responsibilities over watersheds and reservations for the purposes of effective management and development of programs and projects intended to ensure the long-term viability of irrigation systems. It also aims to rehabilitate the Andanan Watershed over the next five (5) years by implementing management interventions within the 1014-hectare NIA area of management, one of which is the use of planting materials, as this will be critical in achieving total watershed rehabilitation.
The program is envisaged to improve vegetative cover and construct structural support mechanisms towards the sustainable operation of NIS, thus minimizing the soil erosion rate deposited on the reservoir, irrigation facilities, and river channel of the irrigation water source and sustaining the efficiency and serviceability of the irrigation system.
During the event, Acting Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza assured everyone that they will look into the problem and take steps to help, including the launching of the tree nursery and tree planting, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). He also stated that this endeavour will be successful if all stakeholders and program beneficiaries will fully cooperate.
The said activity was participated by Brgy. Local Government Units (BLGUs), Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), City Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bayugan (CENRO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), City Health Office (CHO),Bayugan Grains City Eagles Club, NIA Central Office, NIA Regional Office, and NIA IMO-ADS headed by Engr. Peter E. Pablo, Acting Division Manager of NIA ADS-IMO with his Acting Assistant Division Manager, Engr. Paul Urbiztondo, and other stakeholders.
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**For questions and/or clarifications, you may contact:
June Nathaniel S. Plaza, Acting Regional Manager
Atty. Reggie T. Mag-usara, Attorney IV
Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO
Office/Region: NIA Caraga Region
E-mail: r13@nia.gov.ph
Contact Information: (085) 815-2602