Meet the 2026 NIA Water and Environment Champions!

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The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) congratulates the three Outstanding Irrigators Associations (IAs) hailed as water champions during the World Water Day Awards on March 19, 2026 in the City of Manila:

1) National Irrigation Systems (NIS) Category – Magatos, Camoning, San Vicente Irrigators’ Association (MACASCVIA), Inc. from Asuncion, Davao del Norte, Region XI represented by IA President Rogelio P. Dayot, Jr.

2) Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) Category – Tamia Communal Irrigators’ Association, Inc. from

Compostela, Davao de Oro, Region XI represented by IA President Roger C. Balili

3) CARP-IC Category – Colawin Pump Irrigation System Association, Inc. from Argao, Cebu, Region VII represented by IA President Candido S. Caminero

NIA Region XI Acting Regional Manager Engr. Dexter A. Sablaon, Institutional Development Division (IDD) Manager Martin T. Tacloban, CARP-IC IDD Acting Institutional Development Division Manager Engr. Ma. Theresa C. Lee, other NIA representatives, and IA officers were present in the event.

Organized by DENR, NWRB, and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., WWD.PH Awards honors champions for water and environment that made strides in achieving water and water-environment sustainability in the country. This year’s theme “Water and Gender” highlights safe water and sanitation as human rights and as critical enablers of gender equality.

The campaign also emphasizes the vital role of women leaders in Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), particularly in system management and IA governance, where they contribute to more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable water management. By recognizing and supporting women’s participation and leadership in irrigation and water resource management, the initiative promotes stronger community engagement and more equitable decision-making in the sector.

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