The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) strongly denies the allegation that lump sum appropriations amounting to P11.3-B exist within the agency's budget. The General Appropriations Act of 2015 clearly shows that the P11.3-B which former Secretary Panfilo Lacson pertains to is broken down into projects per region with their corresponding budget allocation. The master list of projects is available to the public and anyone is free to scrutinize the 2-inch thick document at the NIA Office. The master list is also published at the NIA website. NIA's budget went through the rigorous budget preparation process. It starts with all the regional offices submitting lists of projects that are recommended by the Regional Development Councils (RDCs). These lists are then carefully scrutinized to come up with the master list of projects to be included in the agency's budget for a particular year. The budget proposal is then presented to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) during the technical budget hearing and eventually approved by the same office. Further, the DBM requires Program of Work, a documentation which details the plan for each project, before the agency releases the allocation. The 2015 NIA budget is supported with all the documents that would…...

A Technical Working Group (TWG) for the management of Jalaur watershed area was formed by the National Irrigation Administration Regional Office 6 (NIA 6). This, as environmental protection and watershed preservation continue to be top priorities of the implementation of Western Visayas' biggest irrigation project, the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II). In its latest move, NIA convened with partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGU) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). Held Tuesday, created was TWG for JRMP II Watershed. Present were Mayor Alex A. Centena of the Municipality of Calinog and the Chairman of Jalaur River Basin Management Board, Mayor John H. Tarrosa of the Municipality of Zarraga, Soledad Sucaldito, Iloilo Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Dr. Jessica Salas of Kahublagan Sang Panimalay Foundation, Inc., Susan Calaor, Be Secure Provincial Coordinator, and Dr. Eva Leal-Lam from WVSU CAF. With the creation of its TWG for Watershed Management, the meeting also aimed to harmonize the existing plans and programs of upper Jalaur Watershed in relation to the implementation of JRMP II Watershed Management Plan and identify watershed strategies to protect the water quality and quantity while maintaining the productivity for agricultural, commercial and other uses in…...

Western Visayas' biggest irrigation project is moving forward, now with strong support from no less than Iloilo's highest Catholic leader. In a press release issued Friday, June 5, Ilonggo leader and Senate President Franklin M. Drilon reported that Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo has given his blessing and prayers for the successful implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II). The backing came after Drilon's meeting with the prelate together with Jaro Archdiocese Social Action Center (JASAC) Executive Director Msgr. Meliton Oso. According to the Ilonggo Senator, the Archbishop said he will "pray for the success of the Jalaur (JRMP II), and let no one delay it any further." NIA regional manager and JRMP II project manager Engr. Gerardo P. Corsiga, sincerely welcomed the support and said he is thankful to the Catholic leader. "We are moving forward, now with strong support from no less than Iloilo's highest Catholic leader, His Excellency Archbishop Lagdameo. We are so thankful," said Manager Corsiga. "The Archbishop's blessing and backing signifies his support not only to NIA but to our farmers, our IPs and all Ilonggos who are looking up to this project as a long-term solution to our problems in water,…...

The National Irrigation Administration 6 (NIA 6) firmed up commitments and interventions for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) covered by the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II (JRMP II). This, as provisions for a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was finalized with 22 government agencies involved with the JRMP II implementation. Also agreed was the creation of an Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (IACC) in order to ensure that needs as identified are addressed and commitments delivered.NIA 6 Regional Manager and Concurrent JRMP II Project Manager Engineer Gerardo P. Corsiga addresses the representatives of the 22 National Government Agencies (NGAs) during the Local Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting for JRMP II on June 16, 2015.The agreement highlighted the Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting at NIA 6 attended by JRMP II officials and representatives of partner government agencies. Guests in the coordination meeting included Capitol lawyer, Attorney Dennis Ventilacion, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) Environmental Monitoring Team Leader Sang Hoon Lee, and Environmental Specialist, Ronald Muana. Dubbed as the "Inter-Agency Convergence Initiatives," the MOA laid down responsibilities and obligations of the concerned government agencies. The agreement primarily identified government projects and programs on infrastructure (hard project component), livelihood and basic social service (soft project components) of the JRMP II. From establishments…...

After months of careful and objective deliberation, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has bestowed upon NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal the Commission's highest award given to professionals from different fields. This year, Dr. Padernal will receive from the PRC the 2015 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in the field of Civil Engineering in recognition of his efforts and initiatives contributing not just to his field but also to the country. Dr. Padernal is a Civil Engineer who specializes in the fields of project/construction management, master and development planning, institution and capability building, and engineering. Aside from Engineering, he also specializes on public administration. For over 36 years of professional excellence, he has held prominent positions in his career. Before becoming the NIA Administrator, he served from March 2002 to October 2004 as Chairman of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), an office mandated chiefly to transform military baselands to fund the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and to finance selective infrastructure projects. He also became the Chief Technical Advisor (1990 to 1993) of the United Nations Development Programme/World Bank Water and Sanitation Program and provided advisory services to water companies in and governments of China and…...