NIA Corporate Governance Scorecard
(CY 2024)
# QUESTION YES NO LINK SOURCE
I. Stakeholder Relationships (15%)
1 Does the GOCC disclose a policy that:
a. Stipulates the existence and scope of its effort to address customer’s welfare? check The Agency’s Mission, Vision and Objective covers its farmer-beneficiaries (stakeholder/customer) interest and welfare.

  • CSR Statement
  • NIA Vision, Mission, Objectives and Integrated Policy
  • NIA Strategy Map
  • MC 101 s. 2024 – Addendum to the Memorandum Circular No. 108 Series 2018 “Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10969, Otherwise Known as the Free Irrigation Act (FISA)”
  • MC 21 s. 2024 – 3rd Amendments to Certain Provisions of MC 108 S. 2018 “Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10969, Otherwise Known as the Free Irrigation Service Act”
  • MC 147 s. 2023 – Amendments to Memorandum Circular No. 91 S. 2021 Entitled “Amendments to Memorandum Circular No. 108 S. 2018 The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10969, Otherwise Known as the Free Irrigation Act (FISA) and No. 49 S. 2019 “Official Forms for the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10969, Otherwise Known as the Free Irrigation Service Act, “Increasing O&M Subsidy from P150/HA/Cropping to P500/HA/Cropping
  • MC 108 s. 2018 – Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10969, Otherwise Known as the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA)
  • MC 47 s. 2018 – Implementation of Client/Customers Feedback Mechanism
  • MC 22 s. 2017 – Guidelines on Client/Customers Feedback Mechanism
  • MC 36 s. 1997 – Continuing Support for the Growth and Development of IAs and their Federations/Conference
  • MC 46 s. 1992 – RA 7607 Magna Carta of Small Farmers, O&M, IA Development, Irrigators Association, Operation and Maintenance, Operations Republic Act No. 7607, An Act Providing A Magna Carta of Small Farmers.
b. Elaborates its efforts to interact with the communities in which they operate? check ​The Agency’s Mission, Vision and Objective provides a concrete policy elaborating its efforts to interact and operate in its communities.

  • CSR Statement
  • MC 147 s. 2023 – Amendments to Memorandum Circular No. 91 S. 2021 Entitled “Amendments to MC 108 S. 2018 in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10969, otherwise known as the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) and No 49 S. 2019 “Official Forms for the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10969, otherwise known as the FISA, Increasing O&M subsidy form P150/ha/cropping to 500/ha/cropping
  • MC 57 s. 2023 – Guidelines in the Organization and Development of Irrigation Service Cooperatives (ISCs)
  • MC 42 s. 2023 – Enhanced Implementing Guidelines for the Establishment, Operation and Maintenance of IA Model Farm (IAMF)
  • MC 157 s. 2022 – Guidelines and Procedures in the Conduct of Revised IA Functionality Survey in the Context of Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) and Annual Search for the National Level of Outstanding IA Performers
  • MC 29 s. 2020 – Increase in Maintenance Subsidy Pursuant to NIA Board Resolution No. 8621-29 S 2019; and MOUs on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program and Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB)
  • MC 108 s. 2018 – Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 10969 Otherwise Known as the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA)
  • MC 13 s. 2017 – Guidelines on Free Irrigation Service
c. Ensure that its value chain is environmentally friendly or is consistent with promoting sustainable development? check 1. Approved the crafted PPD-ED revised Desk Manual includes the function and description of the Environmental & Watershed Management Section, and the conduct of FS studies (Inclusive of Environmental, watershed, and social aspects).

2. Approved the crafted PPD-ED Pre-FS Manual through MC 3 s. 2023 which discussed the activities to be undertaken on the environmental, watershed, and social assessment.

3. The NIA MC 2023-137: NIA Guidelines in Project Preparation for Irrigation Development includes the Terms of Reference for the Environmental and Social Assessment.

4. The NIA has crafted MC 2-2020 discussing the Terms of Reference for Social Environmental Impact Assessment.

5. The amended DENR-NIA MOA series of 2019 discussed the NIA’s reponsibilities toward the protection of Critical watersheds all over the Philippines.

6. The Agency had undertaken several activities to implement its policies specifically with interaction on its communities.
2 Does the GOCC disclose the activities that it has undertaken to implement the above mentioned policies?
a. Customer health and safety check 1. Approved the crafted PPD-ED Desk Manual includes the function and description of the Environmental & Watershed Management Section, and the conduct of FS studies (inclusive of Environmental, watershed, and social aspects).

2. Institutionalize the conduct of Social Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) for Proposed National Irrigation Projects (NIPs) and Impounding projects (IPs) in the acquisition of ECC thru MC 2020-2.

3. Several activities were undertaken to implement the GOCC’s policies on customer health and safety.
b. Interaction with the communities check 1. Stakeholder consultations as part of activities in the formulation of the Management Plan of Water Resources supporting Irrigation System thru its RPWRSIS program-all ongoing formulation

2. Part of the ongoing feasibility studies is the conduct of stakeholder consultation to determine the social acceptability of the project

3. Part of the EIA process in the acquisition of ECC of dam projects

4. The Agency had undertaken several activities to implement its policies specifically with interaction on its communities.
c. Environmentally-friendly value chain check 1. Ongoing implementation of Rehabilitation & Protection of Water Resources Supporting Irrigation System based on the NIA Masterplan and DENR-NIA MOA s. 2019

2. Conduct of Feasibility study stage incorporating a study on the Potential Interventions to Project and Manage Remaining Resources within the Watershed

3. Various activities were undertaken by the Agency to implement its policies which evolves environmetally-friendly value chain
3 Does the GOCC have a separate corporate social responsibility (CSR) report/section or sustainability report/section? check

CY 2024 CSR Activities

Tree Planting Activities

Blood Letting Activities:

Gift Giving Activities:
4 Where stakeholder interests are protected by law, stakeholders should have the opportunity to obtain effective redress for violation of their rights.
Does the GOCC provide contact details via the company’s website or Annual Report which stakeholders (e.g. customers, suppliers, general public, etc.) can use to voice their concerns and/or complaints for possible violation of their rights? check
5 Performance-enhancing mechanisms for employee participation should be permitted to develop.
a. Does the GOCC explicitly mention the health, safety, and welfare policy for its employees? check The Agency promulgated policies that caters to the health, safety and welfare of its personnel
b. Does the GOCC publish data relating to health, safety, and welfare of its employees? check The Agency promulgated policies that caters to the health, safety and welfare of its personnel
c. Does the GOCC have training and development programmes for its employees? check Throughout 2024, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) demonstrated its commitment to professional development by conducting extensive in-house training programs. These initiatives, which ran from January through November, covered diverse areas ranging from governance and management to technical skills and digital literacy.
d. Does the GOCC publish data on training and development programs for its employees? check Throughout 2024, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) demonstrated its commitment to professional development by conducting extensive in-house training programs. These initiatives, which ran from January through November, covered diverse areas ranging from governance and management to technical skills and digital literacy.
6 Stakeholders including individual employee and their representative bodies, should be able to freely communicate their concerns about illegal or unethical practices to the board and their rights should not be compromised for doing this.
a. Does the GOCC have procedures for complaints by employees concerning illegal (including corruption) and unethical behavior? check
  • MC 31 s. 2024 – Revising Memorandum Circular No. 5 s. 2009 and Memorandum Circular No. 83 s. 2007 on the Rules on Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • MC 120 s. 2022 – Revised Policies on the Settlement of Grievances in the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC No. 5 s. 2009 – Amending/Supplementing Memorandum Circular No 83 S. 2007 on the Rules on Internal Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • MC 83 s. 2007 – Rules on Internal Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • PAIS Operations Manual –

Office of the President’s 8888 Citizen’s Complaint – See page 35-36

Presidential Action Center (PAC) – See page 38
b. Does the GOCC have procedures to protect an employee/person who reveals illegal/unethical behavior from retaliation? check
  • See page 6-7 of MC 31 s. 2024 – Revising Memorandum Circular No. 5 S. 2009 and Memorandum Circular No. 83 S. 2007 on the Rules on Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • MC 120 s. 2022 – Revised Policies on the Settlement of Grievances in the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC No. 5 s. 2009 – Amending/Supplementing Memorandum Circular No 83 S. 2007 on the Rules on Internal Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • See page 3 of MC 83 s. 2007 – Rules on Internal Whistleblowing and Reporting
II. Disclosure and Transparency (35%)
7 NIA Website

Does the GOCC’s website disclose the following items:
a. Corporate objectives check
b. Financial performance indicators check

FS 3rd Quarter
c. Non-financial performance indicators check BED NO. 2

Physical Status as of June 2024

Status of Irrigation Development (inventory in progress)

Financial Performance Indicators
d. Details of whistle-blowing policy check
  • MC 31 s. 2024 – Revising Memorandum Circular No. 5 S. 2009 and Memorandum Circular No. 83 S. 2007 on the Rules on Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • MC No. 5 s. 2009 – Amending/Supplementing Memorandum Circular No 83 S. 2007 on the Rules on Internal Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • MC No. 83 s. 2007 – Rules on Internal Whistleblowing and Reporting
e. Biographical details (at least age, qualifications, date of first appointment, relevant experience, and any other directorships of listed companies) of directors/commissioners check
f. Training and/or continuing education programme attended by each director/commissioner check
8 Are the Annual Reports downloadable from the GOCC’s website? check NIA had already completed all necessary data for the preparation of the Agency’s Annual Report 2023.  However, the layouted version of the said publication is still on process.
9 Corporate Governance Confirmation Statement
Does the GOCC’s website contain a statement confirming the company’s full compliance with the code of corporate governance and where there is non-compliance, identify and explain reasons for each such issue? check
10 Timely filling/release of annual/financial reports.
a. Are the audited annual financial report/statement released within 60 days upon receipt from COA check The 2024 Agency Annual Audit Report (AAR) was received on June 27, 2025. It is already available on NIA’s Transparency Seal of the website which was uploaded on 07 July 2025.
b. Is the annual report released within 90 days from release of audited financial report? check The 2024 Agency Annual Audit Report (AAR) was received on June 27, 2025. It is already available on NIA’s Transparency Seal of the website which was uploaded on 07 July 2025. The Annual Report was released/published online on September 17, 2025
c. Is the true and fairness/fair representation of the annual financial statement/reports affirmed by the board of directors/commissioners and/or relevant officers of the company? check The duly signed Statement of Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements is a declaration of the management’s responsibility for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements, including the schedules attached therein, in accordance with the prescribed financial reporting framework. This is found on Page 6 of the Annual Audit Report.
III. Responsibilities of the Board (50%)
11 Corporate Vision/Mission
a. Has the Board of Directors reviewed the vision and mission/strategy in the last financial year? check The NIA Board reviewed and approved the Revised Agency Charter Statement (Vision, Mission, Core Value, Strategy Map and NIA Performance Scorecard on March 21, 2024 per Board Resolution No. 8910-24, series of 2024
b. Does the Board of Directors monitor/oversee the implementation of the corporate strategy? check
12 Did the GOCC achieve 90% in the PES? check
  • GCG validated CY 2024 Performance Scorecard is not yet available.However, based on NIA’s self-evaluation, it obtained a 76.09% rating, thereby not meeting the 90% requirements.
13 Code of ethics or conduct
a. Are the details of the code of ethics or conduct disclosed? check
  • MC 31 s. 2024 – Revising Memorandum Circular No. 5 S. 2009 and Memorandum Circular No. 83 S. 2007 on the Rules on Whistleblowing and Reporting
  • MC 120 s. 2022 – Revised Policies on the Settlement of Grievances in the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC 85 s. 2007 – Disclosed the Code of Conduct
b. Does the GOCC disclose that all Directors/Commissioners, senior management and employees are required to comply with the code? check As disclosed in the Code of Conduct for Oficials and Employees of NIA shall be applicable to all officials and employees of NIA irrespective of the nature of their appointment.

  • MC 120 S. 2022 – Revised Policies on the Settlement of Grievances in the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC 85 S. 2007 – Disclosed the Code of Conduct
c. Does the company disclose how it implements and monitors compliance with the code of ethics or conduct? check MC on the Creation of the Committee on Discipline ensure faithful compliance by NIA officials and employees to the pertinent laws, rules, and regulations relative to the proper conduct and decorum required for efficient discharge and execution of public functions.

  • MC 120 S. 2022 – Revised Policies on the Settlement of Grievances in the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC 27 S. 2005 – Revised Rules and Organizational Structure of NIA Committee on Discipline
  • MC 23 S. 2000 – Creation of NIA Committee on Discipline (COD)
14 Does the Board appoint a Nomination and Compensation/Remuneration Committee? check
15 Did the Nomination and Compensation/Remuneration Committee meet at least twice during the year? check
16 If yes, is the report of the Nomination and Compensation/Remuneration Committee publicly disclosed? check
17 Does the Board appoint an Audit Committee? check
18 If yes, is the report of the Audit Committee publicly disclosed? check
19 Does at least one member of the Audit Committee have an audit, accounting or finance background (qualification or experience)? check
20 Did the Audit Committee meet at least four times during the year? check
21 Does the Board appoint a Risk Management Committee? check
22 If yes, is the report on Risk Management Committee publicly disclosed? check
23 Does at least one member on Risk Management Committee have a background in finance and investments? check
24 Board meetings and attendance
a. Are the Board of Directors meetings scheduled at the beginning of the year (end of Q1) check The NIA Board approved the Indicative Schedule of the Pre-Board, Regular Board, and Board Committee Meetings during the 998th Regular Board Meeting held on December 18, 2023
b. Does the Board of Directors meet at least monthly? check
c. Did the Board of Directors meet on at least 75% on their scheduled meetings? check
d. Has each of the directors/commissioners attended at least 90% of all the board meetings held during the year? check
e. Did the Board of Directors meet separately at least once during the year without the President/CEO present? check In the absence of Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, the NIA Board of Directors convened on July 25, 2024, and August 16, 2024, for the 1005th and 1006th Regular Board Meetings, respectively. However, Dir. Efren S. Bartolome, Sr., an Appointive Member, attended all Board Meetings in CY 2024
25 Access to information
a. Does the GOCC have a policy that stipulates board papers for Board of Directors/Commissioners meetings be provided to the Board at least three (3) working days in advance of the board meeting? check
b. Is the Board Secretary trained in legal, accountancy or company secretarial practices? check Atty. ALLAN PAUL S. SARANGAYA,J.D. (July 10, 2023 to Present)
26 Internal Audit
a. Does the company have a separate internal audit function? check
b. Does the appointment and removal of the internal auditor require the approval of the Audit Committee? check
27 Risk Oversight
a. Does the company disclose the internal control procedures/risk management systems it has in place? check
b. Does the Annual Report disclose that the Board of Directors/Commissioners has overseen a review of the company’s materials controls (including operational, financial and compliance controls) and risk management systems? check

See Good Governance Section:

Risks Management System – page 12

Financial Control – page 13
c. Does the company disclose how key risks are managed? check
  • MC 82 s. 2024 – Guidelines on the Implementation of Home Office and Branch Accounting for Intra-Agency Transactions
  • MC 65 s. 2024 – Guidelines for Implementation and Utilization of Document Management System
  • MC 49 s.2024 – Supplemental Guidelines of NIA Farming Support Project Providing for Required Documentary Requirements and Accounting Guidelines
  • MC 25 s. 2024 – Amendment to NIA Memorandum Circular No. 169, Series of 2020 on Manual of Delegated Authorities
  • MC 12 s. 2024 – NIA Guidelines and Procedures for Price Adjustment Claims of Foreign-Assisted Infrastructure Projects
  • MC 7 s. 2024 – Revised Guidelines on the Utilization of the Proceeds from the Sale of Bid Documents
  • MC 45 s. 2021 – Risk Management Procedure Revision No. 3
d. Does the Annual Report contain a statement from the Board of Directors or Audit Committee commenting on the adequacy of the GOCC’s internal controls/risk management systems? check The Agenyc’s Internal Audit Services (IAS) is mandated to conduct compliance, management, and operations audit to the offices of NIA in order to determine whether the established internal control system of the organization are well designed and properly implemented and provide an objective assurance on the adequacy and soundness of internal control system within the organization. The various activities, actions undertaken and statements by the IAS embodied in the Annual Report showcases the adequacy of NIA’s internal control/risk management system.
28 Board Chairman
Do different person assume the roles of Chairman and CEO? check ​Different person assume the roles of Chairman and Administrator  Chairman: DA Secretary: Sec. FRANCISCO P. TIU LAUREL, JR. (November 03, 2023 to September 2024); NIA Administrator:  Engr. EDUARDO EDDIE G. GUILLEN (December 12, 2022 to Present);  Issuance of Executive Order No. 69, Chairman:  Usec. JEFFREY G. GALLARDO (September 12, 2024 to Present); NIA Administrator:  Engr. EDUARDO EDDIE G. GUILLEN (December 12, 2022 to Present)
29 Board of Directors Development
a. Does the GOCC have orientation programmes for new Directors? check
b. Does the GOCC have a policy that encourages Directors/Commissioners to attend on-going or continuous professional education programmes? check
c. Did all Appointive Directors attend at least 1 training for the calendar year? check The two (2) Appointive Directors attended the Finance for Directors conducted by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) on October 3-4, 2024
30 Committee Appraisal
a. Is an annual performance assessment conducted of the Board of Directors? check
  • The NIA has implemented performance assessment of NIA Board of Directors covering CY 2024. This is in ine with NIA’s commitment to comply with the objectives of the Corporate Governance Scorecard for GOCCs (CGS)
b. Does the GOCC disclose the process followed in conducting the Board assessment? check
  • The NIA has implemented performance assessment of NIA Board of Directors covering CY 2024. This is in ine with NIA’s commitment to comply with the objectives of the Corporate Governance Scorecard for GOCCs (CGS)
c. Does the GOCC disclose the criteria used in the Board assessment? check
  • The NIA has implemented performance assessment of NIA Board of Directors covering CY 2024. This is in ine with NIA’s commitment to comply with the objectives of the Corporate Governance Scorecard for GOCCs (CGS)
31 Committee Appraisal
Is an annual performance assessment conducted of the Board of Directors Committees? check The NIA has implemented performance assessment of NIA Board of Directors covering CY 2024. This is in ine with NIA’s commitment to comply with the objectives of the Corporate Governance Scorecard for GOCCs (CGS)
BONUS
Stakeholder Relationships
1 Does the GOCC practice Global Reporting Index (GRI) on its annual reports? check The Agency does not yet adopt Integrated Reporting
based on the GRI framework for its disclosure
Disclosure and Transparency
2 Quality of Annual Report
Is the audited annual financial report/statement released within 30 days upon receipt from COA? check
PENALTY
Responsibilities of the Board
1 Are there members of the Board of Directors who hold more than five (5) positions in GOCCs and PLCs? check
  • None for Appointive Directors. There is no appointive member of the Board of Directors who holds more than five (5) positions in GOCCs and PLCs, as certified. On the other hand, Ex-Officio Members of the NIA Board (OP, DA, DPWH, and DEPDev) may hold multiple positions in GOCCs and PLCs either pursuant to a law, by virtue of their position, or at the discretion of the appointing authority, the President of the Philippines.
2 Is there non-compliance with Good Governance Conditions? check None