SAN MATEO, Isabela - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) led the switching-on ceremony of the 45-kilowatt mini-hydro power plant along an irrigation canal here on November 4, 2014.NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal (2nd from L) and MARIIS Operations Manager Mariano G. Dancel (1st from R) accompany DOE Undersecretary Zenaida Y. Monsada (3rd from L) and JICA Senior Representative of the Economic Growth Sector Eigo Azukizawa (2nd from R) in opening the gates of the new 45KW JICA-funded mini-hydro power facility along Lateral B of the MARIS Main Canal in San Mateo Isabela. With them is DOE Director Mario C. Marasigan.Funded by JICA, the hydro-power facility is constructed along Lateral, District 2 of the NIA-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS) here. The newly inaugurated facility can benefit 45 households with an individual consumption of 1000 watts. Funded by JICA, the hydro-power facility is constructed along Lateral, District 2 of the NIA-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS) here. The newly inaugurated facility can benefit 45 households with an individual consumption of 1000 watts. NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal, Department of Energy Undersecretary Zenaida Y. Monsada, and JICA Senior Representative of the Economic Growth Section Eigo Azukizawa…...

Ramon, Isabela - "We have to be thankful for a project that helps a lot in increasing the income of farmers which is our ultimate objective," said National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Florencio Padernal during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Magat River Irrigation System (MARIS) dam optimization project here on November 4, 2014. The project is in collaboration with the SN Aboitiz Power-Magat Inc. (SNAP-Magat).The MARIS reservoir is located in the downstream portion of the Magat Dam, one of the largest multipurpose dams in Asia, and is part of the NIA-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS).The initiative is seen to increase the storage capacity of the MARIS reservoir by up to eight million cubic meters that will primarily improve the delivery of irrigation water to a larger area of farm lands. NIA-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) Operations Manager Mariano G. Dancel shared that with the optimization project, irrigating the whole service area of 85,000 hectares would be possible. NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal said the project is a clear manifestation of a real, effective, efficient private-public partnership. "Increasing storage water capacity of the MARIS reservoir is laudable as it denotes water security for peaking hours and saves water in…...

Palayan City, Nueva Ecija - The National Irrigation Administration led by Administrator Florencio F. Padernal and the provincial government of Nueva Ecija headed by Governor Aurelio M. Umali hosted this year's Nueva Ecija Water Summit on October 15, 2014 at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center, this city. The activity primarily aimed to present the current water situation in the coverage area of Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS) - headed by Engr. Reynaldo D. Puno - to base the formulation of measures that would help to mitigate the negative effects of the El Niño phenomenon. El Niño PAG-ASA forecasted that the climate phenomenon, which occurs across the tropical Pacific Ocean, will peak during the last quarter of 2014 until beginning of second quarter of 2015. This particular climate pattern is mostly associated with lack of rainfall occurrence, drought, and abnormal weather conditions. Countries that are dependent on agriculture and fisheries like the Philippines are said to be the most affected by El Niño. Due to this event, rice and food production will likely to suffer. Affected Area Currently, Pantabangan Dam had been suffering the initial effects of the phenomenon. Due to the lack of rainfall occurrence, particularly in Luzon,…...

NIA Tacloban, Leyte - "I am happy to be talking to you but you should be part of the system. Tulong, tulong tayo." This is what Administrator Florencio F. Padernal emphasized in his message when he met the employees of NIA Region 8 during his visit in the regional office on October 9, 2014. He was welcomed by officials and personnel of the regional office and IMOs headed by Regional Manager Romeo G. Quiza. As part of the 2-day visit, Engr. Padernal first held a dialogue with the NIA employees to discuss his management thrusts. He pointed out that he wanted to engender change in the agency through professionalization in order to gain respectability. He also stressed on the need to fast-track the implementation of projects, especially the carry-over projects, until December 2014. The Administrator also mentioned about the creation of his 10-year master plan that will serve as the agency's roadmap in addressing issues regarding irrigation service delivery and political interventions. "I am a performer, I produce," he further stated, aiming to motivate the Region 8 NIAns in doing their part efficiently. Just like his visits in other regions, Engr. Padernal immediately proceeded with his project site inspection together…...

Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur - In line with his aim to review and eventually improve NIA's irrigation project implementation in the country, the newly appointed Administrator made his first visit in region 9 on October 7 & 8, 2014. Administrator Florencio F. Padernal, DPA was set to inspect major projects in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte during his two-day visit. He was accompanied by Department Manager for Public Affairs and Information Staff, Pilipina P. Bermudez. Project Inspections Engr. Padernal started his project inspection by visiting proposed irrigation projects with flood-control needs. First was in Salug River Irrigation System (SARIS) in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur where he was briefed on the effect of climate change particularly on the flooding of its service area affecting 1,450 hectares out of its 7,809-ha service area. The same issues of flooding that affects irrigation and the need of drainage facilities were presented to him in his visit to Sibuguey Valley Irrigation System (SVIS) in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dipolo River Irrigation System (DRIS) in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, and Titay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (Titay SRIP). The flood-control components of the projects - which are scheduled for Feasibility Study and Detailed Engineering…...