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NIA holds Coop Membership Orientation for Costa Este IA Agriculture Cooperative

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A Membership Orientation Seminar for the Costa Este IA Agriculture Cooperative was held on May 16, 2025, at the Dabuy Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Barangay Sibulao. The activity aimed to provide prospective members with a clear understanding of the cooperative's purpose, functions, and the many benefits of being part of a farmer-led organization. It also served as a platform to promote transparency, shared responsibility, and community-building among participants. 

During the orientation, discussions focused on the core purpose and functions of the cooperative, including the advantages of membership such as access to economic opportunities, collective bargaining, and participation in a democratic structure. The seminar emphasized how cooperative membership empowers individuals to actively contribute to their community's agricultural and social development while enjoying shared benefits and responsibilities.

The session was facilitated by Cooperative Focal Person Femie Jhay Maatubang, with assistance from Institutional Development Officer Mr. Jameson B. Atilano. Their guidance ensured that participants were well-informed and encouraged to take an active role in advancing the cooperative's mission for collective progress and sustainability.

Stakeholders convene for Rice Cluster and Consolidation Coordination Meeting

ZAMBOANGA CITY — To boost agricultural productivity and empower local farmers and fisherfolk, a Coordination Meeting on the Rice Cluster and Consolidation Program was conducted on May 15, 2025, at the Office of the City Agriculture in Tumaga. The activity aimed to revisit the rice cluster areas previously formulated by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and review the development plans of each cluster. It also sought to clarify the roles of involved agencies to ensure effective implementation and coordination moving forward.

The clustering approach is a strategic effort to improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk by increasing productivity and incomes, strengthening market linkages, enhancing producers' bargaining power, and achieving economies of scale. By consolidating farms and aligning efforts, the program hopes to reduce costs, open market opportunities, and promote inclusive rural development across Zamboanga City. The meeting was attended by key personnel from NIA and the City Agriculture Office, including Institutional Development Section (IDS) Head Leni S. Enriquez along with her IDS, and the City Agriculturist. Their collective input is expected to guide the direction of the program and support the long-term growth of the local agriculture sector.

Tama Para sa Bayan IA Validated for Most Outstanding IA 2024

DIPLAHAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The Tama Para sa Bayan Irrigators Association (IA) underwent validation on May 16, 2025 at their IA office in Barangay Sampoli-B, as part of the national Search for the Most Outstanding Irrigators Association (IA) 2024 under the National Irrigation System (NIS) category. The IA was officially nominated by NIA Region IX to represent the region in the annual search, recognizing its exemplary performance in irrigation system management and community involvement.

A team from the NIA Central Office conducted the evaluation, composed of Ms. Julie Anne V. De Guzman, Corporate Accounts Analyst of BRD-FMD; Ms. Maricel M. Del Rosario, CDO IV and Chief of IAAS, IDD-OD; Ms. Lorna P. Villagonzalo, CDO III of IDD-OD; and Engr. Hans Albert Ray R. Esguerra, Supervising Engineer of SMD-OD. The evaluators assessed the IA's operations, practices, and achievements to determine its eligibility for the national recognition.

The winners of the search will be officially announced during the NIA Anniversary Celebration in June 2025. The annual search aims to recognize outstanding IAs that demonstrate effective irrigation management, good governance, and significant contributions to agricultural productivity in their communities.

NIA signs MOA with Niangkaan Farmers IA for Solar-Powered Irrigation Project in Omar, Sulu

OMAR, SULU PROVINCE — Marking a significant step in strengthening agricultural support in Sulu Province, the NIA ZAMBASULTA and the Niangkaan Farmers Irrigators Association (IA) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of a Solar-Powered Irrigation Project (SPIP) under NIA's 2025 program. The signing ceremony was held on May 15, 2025 at Barangay Niangkaan, Omar, Sulu.

The SPIP aims to provide sustainable and reliable irrigation to 15 hectares of rice farmland, directly benefitting around 20 farmers in the area. Alongside the MOA, NIA facilitated the completion of vital legal documents, including the Deed of Donation and right-of-way (ROW) agreements, resolving land access concerns between landowners and the barangay.

The activity was facilitated by Irrigation Development Officer Fernaida K. Dahim and attended by IA officers, Board of Trustees, and barangay representatives. With all necessary documents finalized on the same day, the project is now set for implementation offering a promising boost to local agricultural productivity and sustainable irrigation.

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