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NIA ZDNRSO Holds Mid-Year O&M Conference and 2nd Quarter Federation Meeting in Dipolog City

DIPOLOG CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE - The National Irrigation Administration-Zamboanga del Norte Regional Sub-Office (NIA-ZDNRSO) successfully convened its Mid-Year Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Conference alongside the 2nd Quarter Federation Meeting at the City Agriculture Demo Farm in Olingan, Dipolog City on July 22, 2025. It was presided by Acting Manager Engr. Jessreel R. Intic, the event gathered key stakeholders and partner agencies, including Engr. Rogelio Antonio B. Lumo, OIC-Branch Manager of the National Food Authority (NFA) Zamboanga del Sur; Project Development Officer II Davie Jane D. Napuecas, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Zamboanga del Norte; and Hon. Roseller "Matoy" L. Barinaga, City Councilor of Dipolog City.

A total of 57 Irrigators Association (IA) presidents from across the province participated in the conference, which served as a platform to evaluate the status of irrigation systems and operations with Memorandum Circular Nos. 55 and 101, Series of 2024. A major highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) check amounting to $1,304,975.00 to Humay Upper Irasan SLPA, Mitunga IA Zero Hunger SLPA, and Bandela SLP Association. The NFA also briefed the status of palay procurement, emphasizing opportunities for farmers to participate in government-supported market programs.

This significant milestone marked the growing and reinforced the importance of inter-agency collaboration with NIA, NFA and DSWD in addressing the livelihood needs of farmers, advancing agricultural development and ensuring food security in the province.

NIA-ZDSIMO Conducts TSAG Meeting to Address IA Concerns in Guipos.

GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - A Turnout Service Area Group (TSAG) Meeting with the Kawayan- Guipos Irrigators Association, Inc. in Barangay Poblacion, Guipos was successfully conducted by National Irrigation Administration – Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ZDSIMO). The meeting served as a participatory platform for addressing irrigation-related concerns raised by local IA leaders. ZDSIMO-Engr. Girlie M. Detalla expressed her gratitude for the strong collaborative spirit of TSAG members and emphasized a valuable opportunity to directly engage and address the concerns of the farmers. "We want to listen, understand, and act on your pressing concerns because irrigation is key to your productivity," she stated. The meeting began with an open forum where IA representatives shared operational challenges such as the need for canal repairs, canal lining, desilting, and other system maintenance requirements.

A notable highlight of the session was the introduction of NIA's new policy on the double dry cropping scheme, presented by Supervising Institutional Development Officer (IDO) Ann N. Maligro. She emphasized the program's goal to boost crop yield and ensure timely distribution of farm inputs, particularly in areas with sufficient water supply. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between NIA and the IA members to work collaboratively in addressing identified concerns and promoting agricultural productivity in the area.

NIA-ZDSIMO Proposes Land Donation for Rice Processing System in Guipos.

GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - The National Irrigation Administration - Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ZDSIMO), in partnership with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), presented a land donation proposal during the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) session held on July 21, 2025, at the Guipos Municipal Hall.

The proposed donation aims to establish a Rice Processing System (RPS) to benefit Irrigators' Associations (IAs) across six municipalities. The session was presided over by Vice Mayor Merlyn U. Rabe and attended by SB members, along with NIA-ZDSIMO representatives, including Supervising Institutional Development Officer (IDO) Ann N. Maligro, Operations Head Engr. Rex Armentia, and other agency staff. Hon. Romeo P. Famor expressed his support for the project, recognizing its potential to improve postharvest efficiency and strengthen agricultural productivity in the region.

The RPS is envisioned to cover the municipalities of Dumalinao, Guipos, San Pablo, Tabina, Lapuyan, and Vincenzo Sagun. NIA is requesting at least half a hectare; ideally three to four hectares of land to meet PhilMech's site standards for infrastructure that includes mechanical dryers and other modern postharvest facilities. The session concluded with a mutual understanding among the parties and openness to land donation for the establishment of the Rice Processing System (RPS).

SVIS Celebrates Nutrition Month with EPAHP MOA Signing and Kadiwa-Taboan Trade Fair.

SIAY, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – A unified effort to combat hunger, malnutrition, and rural poverty. The National Irrigation Administration - Sibuguey Valley Irrigation System (NIA-SVIS), in collaboration with partner agencies under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), celebrated Nutrition Month 2025 on July 18 at the Tama Para sa Bayan Irrigators Association (IA) Office in Barangay Sampoli B. The activity, anchored on the national theme "Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin,” gathered members of IAs from both SVIS and the Ditay Irrigation System (IS).

The event featured the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under the EPAHP program. Signed by twelve (12) IAs and institutional buyer Tama Para sa Bayan IA and it's presided by SVIS Head Engr. Wilson N. Cabrales. The agreement, aims to link smallholder farmers directly to government feeding programs and institutional markets. This strategic partnership strengthens food security initiatives, addresses malnutrition in vulnerable communities, and provides consistent market access that supports the livelihood and economic stability of local farmers.

In support of the MOA signing, a Kadiwa-Taboan Trade Fair showcased fresh produce, processed food products, and native delicacies from participating IAs. The trade fair promoted farm-to-community access to affordable and nutritious food while highlighting the role of local agripreneurs in sustainable rural development. The convergence of Nutrition Month and EPAHP objectives reflects NIA-SVIS's unwavering commitment to food security, rural empowerment, and multi-sectoral collaboration for inclusive development.

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