SIAY, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - In its continued commitment to improving irrigation systems and supporting local farmers, the National Irrigation Administration – Zamboanga Sibugay Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ZSIMO) held a dialogue with the Bag-ong Pag-asa Balingasan Irrigators Association (IA) on July 18, 2025, in Barangay Balingasan. The meeting was led by Acting Division Manager Engr. Maria Gertrudes P. Gania, with the support of Institutional Development Officers (IDOs) Mr. Richen Balarote and Ms. Eva Hemoroz. IA officers and members of the Board of Trustees attended the session to address pressing issues affecting irrigation services in the area.
During the discussion, participants raised key concerns such as the need for suitable irrigation systems for swampy terrain and proposed the development of service roads through convergence projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). These initiatives aim to enhance water delivery and improve the transport of agricultural products. NIA-ZSIMO affirmed its commitment to conduct field validations and monitoring activities to ensure sustainable, responsive, and farmer-centered infrastructure solutions.
Engr. Gania expressed her full support for the association's initiatives and encouraged IA members to strive for excellence, particularly in aiming for the Most Outstanding IA Award in the future. She also emphasized the importance of identifying additional service areas and strengthening organizational capacity to drive long-term agricultural productivity and rice self-sufficiency in Zamboanga Sibugay. The meeting concluded with a renewed spirit of collaboration and shared optimism for the continued advancement of irrigation services in Balingasan and neighboring communities.