Earlier today, January 23, 2025, NIA Region IX, led by Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza, held a Special Convergence Meeting at the NIA-9 Training Center in Balintawak, Pagadian City. The event gathered partners from the forces including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and National Housing Authority (NHA), to enhance collaboration on irrigation and infrastructure projects.
Key agreements and resolutions made during the forum include:
- Improved Security Measures:
Regional Manager Plaza suggested setting up security detachments at major infrastructure project sites in the region to ensure safe and smooth project implementation and operation. The proposal was unanimously approved by the AFP and PNP, aligning with their mission to maintain peace in the region.
- Additional Solar Irrigation Projects: A recommendation was made to install three or more Solar Pump Irrigation projects in Jolo, Sulu, to augment water supply in its farmlands and boost the province's agricultural productivity.
- AFP and NIA Join Forces for IA Organization: Beginning next week, the Philippine Army, through its Civil Military Operations, will collaborate with NIA's Institutional Development Officers (IDOs) to organize Irrigators' Associations (IAs) across Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. This partnership aims to strengthen community engagement and empower local farmers through well-structured IAs. -Strategic Oversight: Brigadier General Taharudin P. Ampatuan from Western Mindanao Command and Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz from the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) pledged to personally oversee their troops' involvement in supporting NIA's initiatives, including the establishment of satellite offices in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Their commitment underscores a unified effort to maintain peace and foster development in the Island Provinces.