The National Irrigation Administration celebrated its 48th Founding Anniversary during the Irrigation Week on June 20-24, 2011. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during its anniversary program held on June 24, 2011 at IEC Bldg, NIA Office, Quezon City (see separate story). Highlighting the celebration is the awarding of recognition to outstanding performers both from the NIA and from the Irrigators Associations (IA). From the NIA, the highest award of Most Distinguished Award went to no less than the NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel, together with Engr. Reynaldo C. Mencias and Engr. Reynado C. Adao, Project Managers of Agno River Integrated River Irrigation System and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project-Irrigation Component, respectively. Administrator Nangel was also conferred the Hall of Fame Award for receiving three consecutive Most Outstanding Operations Manager of the Year, a feat he earned while he was the Operations Manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS). Other awardees include Regional Manager of the Year for Engr. Alberto B. Lacuaren, Regional Manager of NIA Region 9, Most Outstanding Frontline Irrigation Manager to Engr. Josephine B. Salazar from UPRIIS, Outstanding Frontline Irrigation Managers, Most Outstanding ISF Collector of the Year, Outstanding ISF…...

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 48th Founding Anniversary of the National Irrigation Administration during the culmination of Irrigation Week on June 24, 2011 held at the Convention Hall, IEC Bldg., NIA Office, Quezon City. In his message, Secretary Alcala underscored the important role of the NIA in attaining the rice self-sufficiency program of the Aquino Administration, being implemented by the Department of Agriculture under his watch. He also called on the Irrigators Association, whom he appreciated their inclusion and recognition in the NIA anniversary celebration, to work hand-in-hand with NIA and the DA, as he committed to provide all the needed support programs to make the goal of rice self-sufficiency successful. On the other hand, NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel acknowledged the support and cooperation of all Regional / Operations / Project Managers as well as their understanding of the gargantuan responsibility given to NIA in the attainment of the rice self-sufficiency program of the government. He extolled them to perform their best as they are the frontline implementers of the program. He also asked them, what would they like best remembered in the history of NIA? He also stressed that the…...

The National Irrigation Administration thru its Regional Office No. 4-B has started the construction of the Iwahig – Balsahan Irrigation Project right inside the compound of the Iwahig Penal Colony in Puerto Princesa City. Due to security reasons, the commencement of the project took quite sometime, nevertheless, ending up with a Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau of Corrections and the National Irrigation Administration. The signing of the MOA was facilitated by no less than DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel. The ongoing project is funded under GAA with a project cost of P 40 Million funded under GAA. It will irrigate about 414 hectares and will benefit 120 inmates of the Iwahig Penal Colony. It is interesting to know that life in that prison is not a life behind bars, but a life with nature because the place is abundant with tress, flora and fauna. The inmates though of different categories enjoy a life outside prison bars. During the visit of Administrator Nangel and other NIA officials, it was observed that the inmates are engaged in farming, beautification of compound and other livelihood activities. Some inmates are also employed as skilled and non-skilled laborers…...

Administrator Antonio S. Nangel (ASN) visited the Banaoang Pump Irrigation Project (BPIP), in Ilocos Sur on June 9, 2011. After briefing conference with BPIP officials led by PM Santiago P. Gorospe, RM John N. Celeste with key regional office personnel, and China National Constructional and Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CAMC) managers, he proceeded to BPIP Pumping Station Complex in San Mariano, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Among the features of the complex presented by CAMC Managers, Mr. Richard Cheng and Mr. Daniel Liu, to ASN and party were the state-of- the-art Pumping Station Computer Control System, the seven (7) units electric powered pumps designed for 6,000 ha, and cooling water pumps, among others. The Administrator was impressed with the facilities as compared to other pumping stations he had seen before. Afterward, he led the field inspection along the main canal, making observations and giving instructions. Among his instructions were - to put a rain gauge station every 500 ha, cut trees along canal embankment, put up staff gauge in the inlet to know Q, coordinate with LGU, and implement water management. Nine Irrigators Association Presidents and farmer-members expressed their heartfelt gratitude to ASN for the construction of BPIP. The partial…...

Administrator Antonio S. Nangel (ASN) visited the Banaoang Pump Irrigation Project (BPIP), in Ilocos Sur on June 9, 2011. After briefing conference with BPIP officials led by PM Santiago P. Gorospe, RM John N. Celeste with key regional office personnel, and China National Constructional and Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CAMC) managers, he proceeded to BPIP Pumping Station Complex in San Mariano, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Among the features of the complex presented by CAMC Managers, Mr. Richard Cheng and Mr. Daniel Liu, to ASN and party were the state-of- the-art Pumping Station Computer Control System, the seven (7) units electric powered pumps designed for 6,000 ha, and cooling water pumps, among others. The Administrator was impressed with the facilities as compared to other pumping stations he had seen before. Afterward, he led the field inspection along the main canal, making observations and giving instructions. Among his instructions were - to put a rain gauge station every 500 ha, cut trees along canal embankment, put up staff gauge in the inlet to know Q, coordinate with LGU, and implement water management. Nine Irrigators Association Presidents and farmer-members expressed their heartfelt gratitude to ASN for the construction of BPIP. The partial…...