ZAMBOANGA CITY - Regional Manager Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza of NIA Region 9, along with key officials including Engr. Rey M. Pinatacan and Engr. Sandra T. Tero, paid a courtesy visit to Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete on July 10, 2025, at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian. The meeting centered on the ongoing and proposed irrigation projects in the Island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, with a special focus on Solar Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIP). For CY 2024 and 2025, a total of 15 SPIPs have been allocated across these provinces, supported by georesistivity studies to identify viable water sources. NIA shared its goal of expanding irrigated lands and supporting agricultural productivity in Muslim communities by bringing government services closer to the island provinces. Another proposal discussed was the establishment of NIA Satellite Offices in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to improve project implementation and foster better engagement with local communities, taking into account language and cultural diversity.
In response, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete assured full support from the Armed Forces of Western Mindanao, promising both security and logistical assistance to ensure the timely and safe execution of these projects. He reaffirmed the military's commitment to sustaining peace and development in the region, in close partnership with agencies like NIA.