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NIA strengthens Agricultural Initiatives in Zamboanga and BASULTA during Convergence Meeting

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — The NIA Region 9 conducted its 5th Convergence Meeting on June 19, 2025, at the NIA-9 Training Center in Balintawak, Pagadian City. The meeting was attended by 16 government agencies and partner organizations, all working together to support programs that benefit farmers and rural communities.

The main goal of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation among government agencies and private institutions, and to ensure that their programs and services are well-aligned and focused on supporting farmers more effectively.
During the meeting, NIA provided updates on two major projects: the Pasonanca Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) and the Solar-Powered Irrigation Pump Projects (SPIP) in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi- Tawi (BASULTA).

Other topics discussed included environmental policies related to irrigation presented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), housing assistance for affected communities shared by the National Housing Authority (NHA), and a summary of trainings and services already provided through the convergence program. In addition, Syntegral Global Solutions, Inc., a private company, introduced its programs and technologies aimed at improving agricultural practices in the region.

This convergence meeting is part of NIA Region IX's ongoing effort to build strong partnerships, improve irrigation systems, and deliver better and more unified services to farmers not only in the Zamboanga Peninsula but also in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

ATI conducts Rice Machinery Capability Enhancement Training for Farmer Leaders of Labason Clustered IAs

LABASON, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE-The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), successfully conducted the Batch 4 Capability Enhancement Training on Rice Machinery Operation and Basic Troubleshooting for farmer leaders from various Irrigators Associations (IAs) under the Clustered IA Cooperative of Labason Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative (LABIAGCO) on June 17-19, 2025.

The three-day training was held to boost the technical knowledge and operational skills of farmer-leaders in handling and maintaining rice machinery, supporting the national thrust for modernized and mechanized rice production. The training was facilitated by ATI Resource Speaker Mr. Nino O. Codino, who provided comprehensive lectures and hands-on demonstrations.

This initiative is part of the ongoing convergence program between NIA and ATI, designed to empower IAs with the right knowledge and tools to manage their equipment efficiently, reduce downtime due to machine issues, and promote sustainability in irrigated rice farming communities.
The continuous roll-out of this capability-building effort underscores the commitment of both agencies to strengthen farmer-led operations and ensure long-term productivity across irrigated areas in Zamboanga del Norte.

NIA Zambo. Sur holds General Assembly to strengthen Farmer Support and Cooperative Initiatives

GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - The NIA Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (NZDSIMO), led by Supervising Institutional Development Officer Ann N. Maligro, held a General Assembly on June 17, 2025, in Guipos. The meeting gathered IA presidents from 20 member Irrigators Associations to discuss initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers and enhancing cooperative services.

A major topic was the proposal to acquire land for a Rice Processing System (RPS), which aims to improve rice quality, ease post-harvest processes, and boost farmers' income. The group also discussed plans to expand cooperative membership and pursue Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation with the Department of Agriculture to access more government programs and project support.

The assembly also reviewed Memorandum Circular No. 45 to ensure alignment with government standards and reinforce transparent and accountable leadership. The meeting ended with a collective commitment from IA leaders to continue working together for the betterment of the cooperative and the farming communities they serve.

NIA holds TSAG Meeting to Address Farm-to-Market Road Alignment Issue in Diwan

DIPOLOG CITY - The NIA Zamboanga del Norte Regional Sub-Office (ZDNRSO) successfully conducted a Turnout Service Area Group (TSAG) or Sectoral Meeting in Barangay Cayasan, Diwan, Dipolog City, to address an infrastructure alignment issue involving a proposed Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) project. The meeting was attended by ZDNRSO Engineering and Institutional Development Units, along with representatives from the concerned Irrigators Association (IA). A major agenda point was the upcoming FMR project of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dipolog for Calendar Year 2025, which was reported to overlap with the alignment of a new irrigation canal scheduled for construction this year.

To prevent project delays and ensure that both development initiatives proceed smoothly, stakeholders engaged in thorough discussions and coordination. As a result, both NIA and the IA agreed on making necessary adjustments in the designs and implementation schedules.

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