February 2016

"Management by going around" is what Administrator Antonio S. Nangel of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) strategy in running an agency as huge as the NIA. Administrator Nangel believes that going down to the level where the action takes place, is more effective in knowing first-hand the real situation in the field.

His sorties started in Vigan, Ilocos Sur where he attended the Project Managers’ Conference which aimed to assess the progress of project implementation of big projects nationwide. Project Managers whose projects were evaluated to be lagging behind were advised to prepare catch-up plans in order to complete the projects as targeted. The generated areas of these projects contribute to the target areas for attaining the rice self-sufficiency program.

The project visitation of the completed Banaoang Pump Irrigation Project along with a Farmers' Forum was next in the Administrator's itinerary. Together with DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Administrator Nangel briefed Secretary Alcala of the various components of the pump project as well as other important information such as the total project cost, irrigated area, farmer-beneficiaries and funding source. During the Farmers’ Forum, Secretary Alcala advised the farmers to utilize the irrigation system as efficient as possible to reap utmost benefits from it. With the irrigation system, the farmers are now assured of irrigation water supply throughout the year.

In Amburayan River Irrigation System, another Farmers' Forum awaits the group of Administrator Nangel and DA Secretary Alcala. The President of the Farmers’ Federation thereat requested the Secretary and Administrator to assist them rehabilitate and improve their irrigation system especially the intake and tunnel. For their part, they advised the NIA officials in the region to evaluate further the program of work and submit same to Central Office.

Although already quite late in the evening, the group proceeded to the Provincial Capitol of La Union where the Local Government Officials led by Governor Manuel Ortega was waiting. A brief dialogue was conducted where the local officials presented their concern not only in irrigation but on the whole gamut of agriculture.

The next stop of the group was in Lingayen, Pangasinan where a breakfast meeting was held with Local Government Officials led by Governor Amado Espino. The meeting proved fruitful as each sector committed to support one another for the development of the agriculture and fishery sector in the province.

A Farmers’ Forum is held in Alaminos, Pangasinan attended by farmers and fisherfolks from all over the province. The DA presented the various assistance programs of the department available for the farmers and fisherfolks.

The Administrator’s sorties winded up in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan where ARIIP Project Manager Reynaldo C. Mencias gave a short briefing on the ongoing re-regulating pond project of the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP) in San Manuel, Pangasinan. The Project when completed will irrigate about 35,000 ha in Eastern Pangasinan.

Indeed, it was a very hectic schedule for Administrator Nangel but he feels satisfied and confident that with his "Management by going around", the projects of the NIA will be properly implemented and completed as scheduled.

Administrator Antonio S. Nangel during the Project Managers’ Conference in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Beside him (L) is Sr. Deputy Administrator Antonio A. Galvez, Engineering Dept. Manager Erdolfo B. Domingo, and (R) Deputy Administrator Democratico P. Grana, Jr. and Project Manager Santiago P. Gorospe, Jr of Banaoang PIP.

Project Visitation and Farmers’ Forum at Banaoang Pumping Station with DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala on the rostrum, Administrator Nangel is seated 3rd from left.

Breakfast meeting with Local Government Executives in Pangasinan led by Governor Amado Espino. Administrator Nangel is seated 3rd from left.

Farmers and Fisherfolks Forum in Alaminos, Pangasinan. Among the audience is Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Lorna Grace B. Rosario (in sunglasses).

DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan at the inauguration of Rice Mill, a grant from KOICA (Korea).

ARIIP Project Manager Reynaldo C. Mencias in his presentation of Progress of Project Construction of Re-regulating pond for ARIIP.

A souvenir photo after the ARIIP briefing, from (R), NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel, DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, ABONO Party-list Representative Robert Raymund Estrella, Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, DA RFU 1 Regional Executive Director Renato Maguigad, 6th District Board Member Ranjit R. Shahani. (standing behind is Pangasinan IMO Manager Engr. Helsy S. Bermudez)