CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Being the lead agency responsible for irrigation development and management, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-10 strengthened ties with its stakeholders as it successfully conducted the two-day stakeholders forum, September 21-22.

The forum was attended by the different federations of farmer irrigation association officers wherein an update and discussions on the projects and programs of the agency was given by no less than its Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie Guillen.

As the forum progresses, the NIA administrator focuses on the convergence initiative as part of the agency’s program to further enhance and capacitate their beneficiaries through linkages with other government agencies to assist them in getting benefits such as farm inputs and equipment.

Talks were also done with the Department of Agriculture as the agency asks for hybrid rice varieties to be given to their clientele, especially during the dry season to ensure a high yield of rice that a farmer can harvest. Also, they requested the release of the right farm inputs to the farmers at the right time for them to be able to use it properly.

Though DA is willing to assist the NIA in giving farm inputs to the IA, Guillen admitted that part of the condition of DA is for the farmers to be registered in the System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). However, despite the best efforts of the NIA to register all the members of the Irrigation Association, they encountered some problems in the system registration.

“Ang gihimo sa Senado at Congress ay next budget season ilalagay sa DA Natin yung provision na hindi lang RSBSA ang kanilang ihohonor kung di yung listahan o masterlist ng NIA sa kanyang IAs para makakuha ang lahat (What was done in the Senate and Congress is that on the next budget season, they will include in the DA Natin the provision that not only the RSBSA [list] will be honored but also the list or masterlist of IAs coming from NIA so that all can receive),” he shared.

Meanwhile, NIA-10 also shares its action plan against the forecast El Niño Phenomenon weather disturbance the country faces. Irrigating a total of 97,373.78 hectares out of 168,312.69 potential irrigable areas in the region the agency focuses more on the operational and maintenance aspect of the irrigation.

To ensure the proper utilization of irrigation water during such events, the NIA recommends that Irrigators' Associations (IAs) strictly implement the cropping calendar and water distribution schedule. Additionally, they should carry out canal desiltation, adopt alternate wetting and drying practices, and maintain ongoing coordination with local government units and other stakeholders.

NIA is committed to upholding its mandate and supporting irrigation associations. In addition to enhancing irrigation facilities, NIA ensures the prosperity of the associations by assisting with various training and convergence initiatives. (JAKA/PIA10)