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 in 2015 - are covered by the convergence program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. The convergence program was initiated as a holistic approach to solve problems confronting irrigation and flood control that affect productivity in irrigated areas.
The Administrator also visited two major on-going projects in Zamboanga del Norte namely: Lagag SIP, a new irrigation project located in Lagag, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte with a service area of 120 hectares with 85 farmer-beneficiaries; and, 92%-completed Sindangan CIS located in Brgy. Labakid, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte covering a service area of 425 hectares with 450 famer-beneficiaries which is set to be finished in the later part of the year.
Acknowledging IAs and Employees
As important part of his field visit, he also met with NIA employees and Irrigators Association (IA) presidents to personally present his strategic directions to achieve the agency's goals. He highlighted his vision for a holistic development of the agency, employing a multi-disciplinary approach to project implementation and management.
He highlighted the importance of a strengthened partnership between the farmers through the IAs and NIA. He also encouraged young professionals to beef-up their knowledge and skills to become future leaders of NIA.
NIA Region 9 Manager Engr. Diosdado R. Rosales assured ENgr. Padernal that the region together with the farmers is performing and helping the administration achieve its goals.
LGU Partnerships
Engr. Padernal also met with LGU officials in the region to discuss how they can pull their resources together to solve the irrigation needs of the region as well as the perennial flooding in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte. He first met with District II Congresswoman Ann K. Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay to discuss irrigation plans in the province. He also met Governor Tony Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur and Congresswoman Aurora Cerilles upon return to Pagadian City. Administrator Padernal also met the Congressman of the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Norte, Hon. Rosendo S. Labadlbad, before returning to Manila.
'Light at the end of the tunnel'
In his message during the inauguration of the newly-completed NIA IX office and training center, Administrator Padernal summoned cooperation among employees, managers, and farmers alike to help him in solving the problems of the agency. He appealed to everyone to do their share in fast-tracking implementation of projects programmed in 2015 more so the carryover projects of the past years. He also intends to conduct workshops and fora among farmer stakeholders of NIA as one of the preparations of his 10-year master plan for irrigation. Padernal, who is now on his third month in office, assured the region that good things are coming to NIA. His introduction to new strategies in the entire project implementation and other organizational reforms being done now were just few of the tenets of his administration.
"Friends, I tell you, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Lalago po ang NIA," he said.
Administrator Florencio F. Padernal (center), together with (From L-R) PAIS Department Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, DA Asst. Technical Director Dennis Palabrica, and Regional Irrigation Manager Diosdado A. Rosales, cuts the ribbon in the opening of the new Regional Office and Training Center in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
Regional Manager Diosdado A. Rosales (L) explains to Administrator Padernal the plan details of the Titay SRIP project in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay with Zamboanga Sibugay IMO Head Engr. Carlos A. Sabado (R).
Administrator Padernal dialogues with the Irrigators Association (IA) presidents of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
