NIA marks 46th founding anniversary

“Patubigan’g Inaalagaan, Ramdam ang Kaunlaran.”

This year’s theme takes in the role of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) as a national partner in reforms and good governance by building valued partnerships with and among the Irrigators Association (IAs), local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders from the private sector.

As our irrigated areas continue to evolve, NIA remains steadfast in its mission of developing irrigation technologies to be at par with global standards and to advance a healthy economy.

In the recent commemoration rites held at the NIA Central Office, Diliman, Quezon City on June 25, 2009, the outstanding performers were honored with Plaques of Appreciation and cash prizes to commend their exemplary achievements in various categories.

Region 10 is very proud to have in its league the recipient of the highest recognition as the “Most Distinguished Awardee,” in the person of Engr. Julius S. Maquiling, the current Acting Regional Manager.

His hard work and dedication gained for him multi-awards as the Best Provincial Irrigation Officer consistently for three years (Calendar Year 2000-2003) and the Most Distinguished Award in CY 2007, the highest recognition in any category under Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE).

Engr. Maquiling’s burning passion and dedication in coming up with useful strategies come a long way in elevating the region’s status of viability to phenomenal level.

The powerhouse of awardees are recognized for high craftsmanship and their vital roles in the management functions. Toeing the line of Outstanding Provincial Irrigation Officers is Engr. Dioscoro A. Tutor of Misamis Oriental-Camiguin, Engr. Estelita S. Sumila of Misamis Occidental and Engr. Liling L. Ibrahim of Lanao del Sur.

In the Irrigation Superintendent’s category, the awardees include Engineers Patricio G. Juan of Pulangui River Irrigation System (RIS) (now retired), Gaudencio O. Ramos of Manupali RIS, Demetrio W. Benitez of Muleta and Roxas-Kuya RIS, Armando E. Arizala of Bubunawan RIS and Joecamine L. Gubat of Maranding RIS.

Likewise, awards were also conferred to outstanding Irrigators Associations both in the National and Communal categories.

The lone awardee from Regon 10, the San Juan-Impasug-ong-La Fortuna, Inc. under CIS category placed 3rd runner-up for Outstanding CARP-IC Project. The ward was received by Irrigator Association (IA) President Mr. Eriberto D. Bangis.

NIA, region 10 is not only made-up of outstanding project implementers it also excels in the performing arts and sports.

In the cultural dance presentation, the region garnered second place for its interpretation of the “Tinikling” and the Manobo-Bukidnon Ethnic Dance.

The volleyball men was tightly contested and in the end Region 10 won second place.

Awarding of trophies and cash prizes capped the celebration and Region 10 was euphoric in accepting the reward for their efforts and the satisfaction of showcasing Northern Mindanao.

In the pre-anniversary celebration held at NIA, Region 10, plaques and cash were also handed out to Outstanding Irrigators Association of the National and Communal Irrigation Systems, Regional Level.

The future looks very promising, confident of NIA’s capability in increasing and sustaining the development of the country’s potential irrigable areas and the rehabilitation of old irrigation systems through the unrelenting efforts of its best performers and partners.

Raising the productivity of Filipino farmers thru irrigation is imperative to feed a growing Filipino nation. (Rizalina S. Carbon, NIA-10)