NIA-CARAGA-NEWSLETTER

SAPONGSAPONGSAPONG July 2015

NIA CARAGA

Bancasi,

Butuan City

Telefax:

(085) 342-5353

Email add:

nia_caraga@yahoo.com

NIA Administrators

Visit

Trees..Water..Life

Media Tour

WEBAMSI Success

Story

Inside this issue:

With Acting NIA-Caraga Regional Manager C’zar M. Sulaik as guide, the group visited Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irriga-tion Project ( KSRIP), the first of its kind in NIA-Caraga. It is located in the Municipality of Kit-charao, Province of Agusan Norte. The 495 million project was pro-grammed to restore 261.90 hectares to 5 Communal irrigation Sys-tems and irrigate 218.52 hectares new area to benefit 280 farmers of the five barangays of Kit-charao. Mamkas River is the main source of water. Aside from providing irri

NIA Administrator Engr. Florencio F. Padernal, DPA arrived NIA-Caraga early morning of July 30, 2015 sur-prising employees of the Regional Office. With him was Atty Ailyne C. Agtuca-Selda, the new Administrative De-

partment Manager, who with the Administrator himself took the chance to have a consultation meeting with the Administrative and Finance group before proceeding to the first leg of his visit.

NIA Administrator Visits Two Major Projects in Caraga

By: Jane B. Huqueriza

NIA CARAGA OFFICIALS

C’zar M. Sulaik

Acting Regional Manager

Constancio G. Bana-ay, Jr.

EOD Manager

Evelyn C. Encarnado

Acting AFD Manager

Orlando L. Labarinto

Acting ASDI IMO Manager

Akas A. Basilan

ADS IMO Manager

Salome N. Layasan

SDS IMO Manager

EDITORIAL STAFF

C’zar M. Sulaik

Executive Editor & Consultant

Rosalinda A. Segocio

Editor-in-chief

Jane B. Huqueriza

Writer & Lay-out Artist

Alvin A. Rafanan

Photographer

Contributors:

ASDI IMO

ADS IMO

SDS IMO

ment and main-tain watershed in the area.”The lead-ers expressed their gratitude to him for making their dream come true. KSRIP is scheduled to be in-augurated in Sep-tember of this year, according to the resident engineer, Engr. Luisito L. Cadelińa.

The group proceeded to Umayam River Irrigation Project (URIP) in the municipality of Loreto, Province of Agusan del Sur, where they were wel-comed by Project Manager Gregorio Y. Pang, Jr. The Administrator wanted to see that the agreed commitments of the contractor during the Adminis-trator’s visit last March 4, 2015 have

been implemented

With Acting NIA-Caraga Regional Man-ager C’zar M. Sulaik as guide, the group visited Kitcharao Small Reservoir Irriga-tion Project ( KSRIP), the first of its kind in NIA-Caraga. It is located in the Mu-nicipality of Kitcharao, Province of Agusan Norte. The 495 million project was programmed to restore 261.90 hec-tares to 5 Communal irrigation Systems and irrigate 218.52 hectares new area to benefit 280 farmers of the five baran-gays of Kitcharao. Mamkas River is the main source of wa-ter. Aside from pro-viding irrigation water, the project is projected to boost tourism in the local-ity. Administrator Padernal, in speak-ing to the IA leaders emphasized “We should avoid cut-ting of trees to pro-tect the environ-

NIA-Regional Office personnel during Tree Planting Activity

on June 19, 2015 @ Aklan, Nasipit, ADN

NIA participants together with the PNP and some BLGUs posed after the Tree Planting

Activity on June 19, 2015

Philippine Red Cross

marched to plant a tree dur-

ing Tree Planting Activity

on June 19, 2015

Signing of renewal of commitment from DENR, NIA

Greening the Philippines...the NIA way

Trees…Water...Life

It is often said that we cannot survive without water, but water cannot be

sustained without trees. Trees are helpful in various ways and one of

them is to help preserve water that will irrigate the farmland. With our

commitment to provide quality services to the farmers, the National Irri-

gation Administration (NIA) committed to support the National Greening

Program (NGP) of the government by conducting simultaneous tree

planting to unveil the response of the agency to the challenge catalyzed

by global warming.

As the NIA celebrates its 52nd Anniversary on June 22, 2015, one of its

highlights is to promote responsible stewardship of our environment and

NIA Caraga joined on June 19, 2015 in leadership of Manager C’zar M. Su-

laik. With total of 5,000 planted seedlings from different sites region

wide, 500 participants from different sector march to help battle the ef-

fect of climate change. CENRO NGP Coordinator, Mr. Edito S. Tocle said

that through this activity millions of lives will be saved.With the move-

ment towards deeper partnership, NIA-Caraga, Department of Environ-

ment and Natural Resources- (DENR) and People’s Organization (POs)/

Irrigator Associations (IAs) renewed its responsibilities that well nurture

and promotes cleaner and greener environ-

ment.

The pledges poured by the stakeholders in-

dicate its success for sustainable environ-

ment. Having exceeded the target that has

been set, it has proven that individual

knowledge and awareness of the benefits of

the tree planting was established in their

mind.

Tree planting is a great way to celebrate, so

we must act and rejoice.

Greening the Philip-

pines...the NIA way

been implemented. The 1.4B project targets to irrigate 6,729 hectares to pro-vide sustainable development and increase agricultural production to 2,125 farming household. URIP draws water from Umayam River where the dam is located at Brgy. Waloe, Loreto. The Administrator’s series of visit in URIP in-dicates that the project was closely monitored to make sure that only quality services will be given to its beneficiaries. The group visited Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto, Agusan del Sur and informed him of the status of the on-going project. The group was overwhelmed by the support given by the LGU as they provide security in the project site to ensure the safety in the area. Mayor Otaza said that “He will give 100% support to the project as it will benefit his constituents and improve their living con-dition”. The on-site visit is a gesture that shows the seriousness of the management to fulfill its objective to deliver the kind of services the agency envisions for the country’s development especially to the agriculture sector.

(President of Commentators Club),

Allan S. Bonete and Elpidio P. Inot of

Hope Radio, Rey M. Brangan of Bombo

Radio, Cecil Ybańez of Periodico, Mike

Crismondo and Alexander Lopez of

Manila Bulletin, Louie Oranda of GMA-

Butuan and Hope Radio.

June 4, 2015-Site Inspection

The team proceeded to Bislig, Suri-

gaodel Sur to monitor the imple-

mented BCIDP-IC with fifteen (15)

packages under contract with differ-

ent year allocation. A 4-km walk from

the main road to the Dam site where

they witnessed the difficulty of han-

dling the construction materials

which caused the contractor to install

a zip-line to transport the materials to

the construction site.

MEDIA TOUR (PROJECT MONITORING)

In order to strengthen the linkages

with our media partners in Caraga Re-

gion and ensure transparency imple-

mented by the agency, the Regional Of-

fice headed by Acting Regional Man-

ager Engr. C’zar M. Sulaik in coordina-

tion with the Surigao del Sur (SDS) IMO

led by Engr. Salome N. Layasa, SDS IMO

Manager, conducted a Media tour

(Media Project Monitoring) on June 4-

5, 2015 at Surigao del Sur particularly

in the three (3) on-going projects

namely; Bislig City Integrated Develop-

ment Project-Irrigation Component

(BCIDP-IC), Tagbina and Hubo CIP. Ten

(10) personalities from the print and

broadcast media,both local and na-

tional, participated in the activity:

Lando O. Apit of DXVN, Jun Polison of

Goldstar Daily, Junjie Esconia of DXJM

Kerson Fruit or Muntingia calabura is a fast growing tree that has a cherry

like fruit with multiple health benefits: Such as lowering blood sugar, pre-

venting cancer, promoting cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure,

and blocking pain… just to name a few.

Antibacterial – The Kerson cherry contains many powerful antibacterial

compounds, making it a new source of antibacterial agents, And it’s espe-

cially good for treating Staph infections, S. Epidemidis, P. vulgaris, K. Rhizo-

phil, C. Diptheriae and other bacteria. This is important when we have so

many antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Gout – Over the centuries many countries used Kerson Fruit to stop the

pain associated with gout. Consuming 9 to 12 of the cherries three times a

day seems to work well for treating the pain.

Diabetes – Kerson Fruit also lowers blood sugar thus making it great for

those who are diabetic.

Vitamin C – The fruit contains a good amount of Vitamin C a potent anti-

oxidant that helps to fight off colds, flues, and even cardiovascular disease.

100 grams of fruit yields 150 mgs of Vitamin C.

Pain Blocker – Kerson leaves made into tea are great for pain because they

block pain receptors… a good antinociceptive agent similar to opiates.

Cardiovascular Protection – The leaves made into tea protect the heart

from heart attacks, because the leaves contain antioxidants that prevent in-

flammation which leads to myocardial infarction.

Cancer – The leaves have been studied and show great anticancer abilities

and may be used more extensively in the future for treating cancer… more

research to be done.

“13 Health Benefits of Kerson Fruit (Mansanitas)”

In the afternoon, the team visited Tagbina CIP, in the municipality of Tagbina,

which is being implemented by NIA and DAR under ARISP-III. The media ap-

preciated the progress of the on-going project which was already substantially

completed. They interviewed the IA President, Mr.Leopoldo E. EtabagandBrgy.

Captain Hon. German Espinosa of Ugoban, Tagbinato validate the information

and asked their opinion with regards to the implementationof the project. The

IA President expressed that they are thankful that their dream for 20 years has

come true which can irrigate up to 300 hectares. Hon. Espinosa added that the

project will not only answer the problem in irrigation, but also it can also pro-

mote tourism with its clear water from the waterfalls and supply potable wa-

ter in the community.

Later in the afternoon, the team forwarded to Hubo CIP, at Barangay Hubo,

Municipality of San Agustin, were the team also conducted a walk-through to

see the actual work accomplishment of the contractor. Mgr. Sulaik suggested

several techniques and strategies to the foreman in the area to fast-track their

accomplishment.

Tree..Water..Life NIA Tree Planting...6-19-15

Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte & Dinagat Island and Surigao

Continuation...Media Tour

June 5, 2015-Exit Conference

An exit conference was conducted at Surigao Del Sur IMO Conference Room at Tago, to present the project profile/lay-out and status of the three (3) projects to validate/clarify the issues encountered during the media tour. After proper assessment and evaluation during the exit conference the media

were able to compare the project implemented by NIA and other agencies which

several of activity, negotiations, documents and designs need to be considered.

They appreciated the effort exerted by the office which shows transparency in

implementing the project. As they mentioned, media should not be treated as an

enemy but a partner in development. With their statement, it indicates that me-

dia and the agency could collaborate in proper monitoring of all projects of NIA

in order for them to provide relevant and correct information to the public and

NIA’s clientele.

NIA Tree Planting...6-19-15

Regional Office

Tree..Water..Life

Tree..Water..Life NIA Tree Planting...6-19-15

Agusan del Sur

PHOTO NEWS

MOA signing of Turn-over Projects of NIA Caraga to IAs with IA Presidents, IMO

Mgrs. Orlando Labarinto, Akas Basilan, Salome Layasan and RIM C’zar M. Su-

laik witnessed by Federation Presidents and IDOs.

BEHIND THOSE DREAMS: WEBAMSI STORY

By: Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A

It is an inspiration to asee an organization withstand, despite of a series of ca-

lamities and challenges they go on to pursue their vision.One organization that

stands among the rest isWest BayuganMaygatasan Sta. Irene Irrigators Asso-

ciation, Incorporated (WEBAMSI). It is one of the 22 IAs of Andanan-Wawa

River Irrigation System of (AWRIS) under Agusan del Sur Irrigation Manage-

ment Office.

The association’s office is located at Purok 6, Maygatasan, Bayugan City. It

serves 265.52 hectareswith a total of 202 farmer beneficiaries. The IA entered

into Model 2 IMTcontract on January 26, 2010. Under Model 2, canal clearing,

billing and collection are being undertaken by the IAs. So far, regardless of

these responsibilities, they have not encountered problems that were not re-

solved right away, as the members were adept to bayanihan.They have one

employee to do the billing and recording to IFRs and one encoder to prepare

documents and reports. Their high collection efficiency at 100% is maintained

every cropping season since CY 2010as the leaders are the collectors them-

selves.

This year’s wet cropping season, despite of the irrigation facilities of Andanan

RIS was damaged by Typhoon Seniang, the farmers planted rainfed rice and

mostly planted corn. They are positive the higher management heed their

clamor for a fund to repair the damaged portion of the system. Under the lead-

ership of Engr. Akas Basilan of the Agusan del Sur IMO and Engr. C’zar M. Su-

laik, the acting Regional Manager of NIA-Caraga, and with the support of the

Provincial and Local Government, their irrigation will be restored in due time.

Behind the IA’s resilience is a strong leadership of its President, Mr. Nemesio B.

Niog,Jr. supported by 13 Board of Trustees who are also acting as the TSAG

leaders, who implemented their policies down to its 22 turn-out service areas.

“ IRRIGATION SERVICE FEE-BAYRAN TA KINI, PARA

KALAMBUAN MAANI”

Kung aduna kamoy mga pangutana o klarifikasyon, palihog

tawag sa (085) 342-5353 o kaha bisitahi ang opisina sa

NIA Regional Office, Bancasi, Butuan City .

Salamat Pare,moadto

una ako sa NIA aron

mobayad sa akong

obligasyon sa ISF.

NIA 52nd

Anniversary

June 22-25, 2015

ISF Campaign

Pare!!! Unsa manang

gitawag na ISF sa

taga NIA?

Ay Mare, mao kana ang

Irrigation Service Fee nga

ato gayod ibayad sa NIA

para sa ilang serbisyo.

Di ba ang serbisyo

sa gobyerno libre?

Dili tanan Mare, kay ang NIA usa ka Gov-

ernment Owned and Controlled Corpora-

tion, diin ang ilang gigamit sa pang gastos

sa padayon nga serbisyo sa pagpatubig sa

atong mga basakan maggikan sa ISF

koleksyon, aron dili na kita mobalik sa

unang panahon nga maghulat lang kung

adunay ulan. Labi na karon nga aduna nay

gitawag nila na Climate Change.

Continuation.. SUCCESS STORY The strong implementation and linkages developed with other agencies and

local government units helped them achieve everything they have now and

earned several awards from the local, regional, and national levels as they

were annually chosen as one of theOutstanding Irrigators Associations.

In 2012 the IA was awarded P’200,000.00 from the Department of Agricul-

ture’s (DA) Agri-Pinoy Search for Outstanding Irrigators Association. They

put up a Farm Inputs Financing for selected members out of the amount,

and they joined the Community Seed Banking Program of the Philrice. The

seed banking program assured the farmers of certified seeds for their

farms.

In 2013, they again received a P1 million award for winning as one of the

Outstanding Irrigators Association from the same search of the DA. Out of

this award they have put up an equity for a Mechanical Drier, 2 Solar Driers,

2 units turtle hand tractors, I unit Kuliglig, 2 units drum seeders, and a

thresher.

This time they are processing for the release of their combined harvester/

thresher. Their Rice Production program now is worth P300 thousand, and

they have a livelihood program for women worth P’255,000. This liveli-

hood program is for piggery, sari-sari store, and buy and sell of

pigs.

As of present, the IAs assests totaled P’2.2 million and is continu-

ing to grow with the cooperation of the members. The strategies

and newfarm techniques practiced by the members assures high

production. From using cellphones to communicate with all the

members, they are now in the stage of planning to establish a ra-

dio station to cater to the information, education, and campaign

of the association. This initiative can addmore earnings and can

serve not only their community but also the whole region.

They’ve always emphasized that without the help of the almighty,

they cannot achieve all that they have today. With God, their

dreams become a reality.