NIA Corporate Governance Scorecard
(CY 2025)
# 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 NIA has established a comprehensive and multi-layered policy framework that explicitly defines its commitment to the welfare of its primary stakeholders, particularly farmers, Irrigators Associations (IAs), and irrigation service beneficiaries, anchored on statutory mandates and institutional issuances.

  • CSR Statement
  • NIA Vision, Mission, Objectives and Integrated Policy
  • MC 108 s. 2025 – Institutionalization of the Agency’s Permanent Disaster Response and Resource Mobilization Program, BayaNIAn para sa Bayan”
  • MC 84 s. 2025 – Reiteration of Existing Policies Relative to the Partnership between Irrigators Associations (IA) to Ensure Efficient Implementation of Irrigation Project
  • MC 122 s. 2025 – Second Amendment to Memorandum Circular No. 45, s. 2025 Guidelines on the Provision of Livelihood Assistance to Irrigators Associations and Irrigation Service Cooperatives/ Agricultural Cooperatives.
  • MC 45 s. 2025 – Guidelines on the Provision of Livelihood Assistance to Irrigators Associations and Irrigation Service Cooperatives/ Agricultural Cooperatives.
  • 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
b. Elaborates its efforts to interact with the communities in which they operate? check ​NIA has institutionalized a community-centered and participatory governance framework, supported by various Memorandum Circulars and programs, which collectively define the mechanisms for engagement, consultation, partnership-building, and community development involving Irrigators Associations (IAs), Irrigation Service Cooperatives (ISCs), and local stakeholders.

  • CSR Statement
  • MC 122 s. 2025 – Second Amendment to Memorandum Circular No. 45, s. 2025 Guidelines on the Provision of Livelihood Assistance to Irrigators Associations and Irrigation Service Cooperatives/ Agricultural Cooperatives.
  • MC 84 s. 2025 – Reiteration of Existing Policies Relative to the Partnership between Irrigators Associations (IA) to Ensure Efficient Implementation of Irrigation Project
  • MC 45 s. 2025 – Guidelines on the Provision of Livelihood Assistance to Irrigators Associations and Irrigation Service Cooperatives/ Agricultural Cooperatives.
  • 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. Intitutionalize 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 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
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 explicitly adopts and implements policies promoting the health, safety, and welfare of its employees through various Management-issued Memorandum Circulars, which collectively establish a comprehensive framework grounded on the principles of workplace safety, health promotion, and employee well-being. These include policies on construction safety and health, smoke-free workplace, drug-free workplace, hazard pay and benefits for at-risk personnel, and disaster preparedness and response. These policies are further reinforced through continuous health programs and activities aimed at disease prevention and employee wellness.

  • MC 108 s. 2025 – Institutionalization of the Agency’s Permanent Disaster Response and Resource Mobilization Program, BayaNIAn para sa Bayan”
  • MC 93 s. 2025 – Mandatory Inclusion of Construction Safety and Health in the Technical Specifications foor NIA Infrastructure Projects.
  • MC 88 s. 2025 – Updated Guidellines on Certification of Magna Carta and Hazard Pay Eligibility of NIA Science and Technology (S&T) Personnel, under Republic Act No. 8439, as Amended byy Republlic Act No. 11312
  • MC 6 s. 2025 – Policies and Guidelines in Implementing 100% Smoke-Fee Environment in NIA
  • OC 6 s. 2025 – Promoting Use of Stairs Instead of Elevator Lift when Climbing 2 Flights of Stairs to Promote Physical Activity
  • OC 7 s. 2025 – Resumption of Dental Services
  • MC 132 S. 2024 – Amendment to NIA MC No. 126, S. 2023 “NIA Drug-Free Workplace Program Policy
  • MC 124 S. 2023 – Designation as ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Committee, NIA Central Office
  • Completed Activities for CY 2025
b. Does the GOCC publish data relating to health, safety, and welfare of its employees? check NIA promotes and safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of its employees through the implementation of established policies and programs, including the 100% smoke-free workplace policy, the Drug-Free Workplace Program, and the conduct of various health and wellness initiatives such as medical lectures on prevalent diseases and bloodletting activities in partnership with recognized institutions. These demonstrate the Agency’s commitment to fostering a healthy and safe working environment and encouraging employee participation in wellness programs. The Agency likewise maintains internal records and monitoring mechanisms on employee health and welfare through its concerned offices. However, while relevant data are collected and utilized for internal management and program implementation, systematic publication of consolidated health, safety, and welfare data, such as occupational injuries or diseases, is currently being strengthened through ongoing improvements in reporting and disclosure mechanisms.
c. Does the GOCC have training and development programmes for its employees? check The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) conducted intensive internal training programs throughout 2025 to show its dedication to professional growth. These programs addressed a wide range of topics from technical skills and digital literacy to governance and administration, and they ran from January to December.
d. Does the GOCC publish data on training and development programs for its employees? check The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) conducted intensive internal training programs throughout 2025 to show its dedication to professional growth. These programs addressed a wide range of topics from technical skills and digital literacy to governance and administration, and they ran from January to December.
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 The NIA has established procedures that enable employees to freely report concerns on illegal, unethical, or improper conduct through formal whistleblowing, grievance, and complaint mechanisms. These are defined under the Agency’s issuances on internal whistleblowing and reporting, grievance settlement, and administrative disciplinary rules, which provide clear processes for reporting, investigation, and resolution of complaints.

The Agency ensures that reporting individuals are afforded appropriate protection and that their rights are not compromised, with multiple accessible channels available, including internal systems and external platforms such as the 8888 Citizen’s Complaint Center and the Presidential Action Center (PAC).

  • See page 3 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
  • See page 3 of MC 120 s. 2022 – Revised Policies on the Settlement of Grievances in the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC 60 s. 2022 – The Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment 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

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

Procedure of the Presidential Action Center (PAC) Complaint – 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 60 s. 2022 – The Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment in the National Irrigation Administration
  • See page 3 of MC 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 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
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
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
b. Does the Board of Directors monitor/oversee the implementation of the corporate strategy? check
13 Code of ethics or conduct
a. Are the details of the code of ethics or conduct disclosed? check The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) discloses the details of its Code of Ethics and Conduct under its approved Code of Conduct, which defines the standards of behavior and applies to all officials and employees. The Code is complemented by related issuances on whistleblowing, grievance handling, and the Public Assistance and Complaint Desk (PACD), which outline the procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving violations, thereby ensuring transparency on the coverage of the Code and the handling of breaches.

  • MC 60 s. 2024 – Establishment of the Agency’s Public Assistance and Complaint Desk (PACD)
  • 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 60 s. 2014 – Amendment to MC No. 85, s. 2007 Entitled “Code of Conduct for Officials and Employees of the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC 85 S. 2007 – Code of Conduct for Officials and Employees of the National Irrigation Administration
b. Does the GOCC disclose that all Directors/Commissioners, senior management and employees are required to comply with the code? check The requirement for compliance with the Code of Ethics and Conduct is established under the NIA Code of Conduct, which applies to all Directors, senior management, and employees. This is reinforced through related issuances on whistleblowing, grievance handling, and disciplinary procedures, which provide mechanisms for reporting, monitoring, and enforcement of compliance.

  • MC 60 s. 2024 – Establishment of the Agency’s Public Assistance and Complaint Desk (PACD)
  • 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 60 s. 2014 – Amendment to MC No. 85, s. 2007 Entitled “Code of Conduct for Officials and Employees of the National Irrigation Administration
  • MC 85 S. 2007 – Code of Conduct for Officials and Employees of the National Irrigation Administration
c. Does the company disclose how it implements and monitors compliance with the code of ethics or conduct? check The NIA reinforces compliance with its Code of Ethics and Conduct through the implementation of standardized internal controls, including policies and guidelines on leave administration and attendance monitoring.

These measures promote accountability, professionalism, and integrity among officials and employees by ensuring adherence to prescribed working hours, proper use of leave privileges, and accurate recording of attendance.

Compliance is monitored through established systems and periodic reviews by the Human Resource Division (HRD) and is further supported by institutional mechanisms such as grievance handling procedures and the Committee on Discipline, as provided under relevant issuances. Any irregularities or violations are subjected to appropriate administrative actions in accordance with civil service rules and regulations.

  • MC  26 s. 2023 – Implementation of Standardized Internal Controls, Policies and Guidelines on Leave Administration and Attendance Monitoring
  • 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 The NIA Board Audit Committee conducted five (5) meetings for CY 2025.
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 NIA Board Calendar of Events, which includes the schedules of the Pre-Board, Regular Board, and Board Committee Meetings during the 1010th Regular Board Meeting held on December 13, 2024.
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 the Administrator, Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, and Appointive Director, Dir. Efren S. Bartolome, Sr., the Ex-Officio Members of the NIA Board of Directors convened separately on December 18, 2025 prior the 1022nd Regular Board Meeting.
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 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) discloses internal control procedures and risk management systems through approved policies and operational guidelines. The Agency’s risk management framework is established under its Risk Management Procedures, as updated through relevant issuances, and is further embedded in the NIA Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015), which incorporates risk and opportunity assessments through maintained risk registries.

Internal controls are operationalized through various issuances covering key functional areas, including financial management, document control, delegated authorities, project implementation, and accounting procedures. These guidelines ensure the proper authorization of transactions, documentation, monitoring, and reporting of activities across the organization.

Collectively, these policies demonstrate the Agency’s structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks, as well as maintaining effective internal control systems to support accountability, operational efficiency, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

 
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

Risk Management-page ix

Highlights of the NIA Board Committee CY 2025 Accomplishment– page x
c. Does the company disclose how key risks are managed? check The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) discloses how key risks are managed through an established risk management framework under its approved Risk Management Procedures, as updated by relevant issuances, and integrated into the NIA Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015).

Key risks are identified, assessed, and monitored through the maintenance of risk and opportunity registries, with corresponding mitigation measures embedded in operational policies and guidelines. These include controls on financial management, delegated authorities, document management, project implementation, and accounting procedures, which ensure proper authorization, documentation, and monitoring of transactions and activities.

Through these mechanisms, the Agency systematically manages operational, financial, and compliance risks, ensuring that appropriate controls and mitigation strategies are in place and consistently implemented across the organization.
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

Risk Management-page ix

Highlights of the NIA Board Committee CY 2025 Accomplishment– page xi
28 Board Chairman
Do different person assume the roles of Chairman and CEO? check ​Different person assume the roles of Chairman and Administrator Chairman: Usec. JEFFREY G. GALLARDO (September 12, 2024 to December 18, 2025); NIA Administrator: Engr. EDUARDO EDDIE G. GUILLEN (December 12, 2022 to Present)
29 Board of Directors Development
a. Does the GOCC have orientation programs 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
30 Committee Appraisal
a. Is an annual performance assessment conducted of the Board of Directors? check
b. Does the GOCC disclose the process followed in conducting the Board assessment? check
c. Does the GOCC disclose the criteria used in the Board assessment? check
31 Committee Appraisal
Is an annual performance assessment conducted of the Board of Directors Committees? check