BAYOG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), through the Sibuguey Valley Irrigation System (SVIS), successfully held its Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Mid-Year Conference earlier today, June 23, 2025 at the SVIS Conference Hall.

The conference centered on the implementation of the Double Dry Cropping Calendar, a strategy aimed at maximizing land productivity, boosting crop yields, reducing pest and disease infestations, and ensuring efficient water use throughout the year. This approach aligns with NIA's mission to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen irrigation system management in the region.

Led by Zamboanga Sibugay IMO Acting Manager Engr. Maria Gertrudes P. Gania, the activity convened officers and members from twenty (20) Irrigators' Associations (IAs) under the SVIS coverage. Also in attendance were Acting SVIS Head Engr. Wilson N. Cabrales, Senior Water Resources Facilities Technician Mr. Agustin B. Hilado, and other NIA personnel who facilitated discussions on field issues, performance targets, and collaborative planning moving forward.

LILOY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — The NIA Region 9 sold 100 sacks of Bagong Bayani Magsasaka Rice (BBMR) during the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Regional Showcase held on June 20, 2025, in Barangay Ganasi, Liloy.

The event was part of a convergence caravan spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with the theme "Bringing the government closer to the people." It aimed to strengthen collaboration among government agencies to better serve and empower local communities. NIA's participation highlights its ongoing support to farmer-beneficiaries under the Rice Contract Farming Program, promoting locally grown rice products and contributing to the economic upliftment of farming communities in the region.

TUNGAWAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - On June 19, 2025, the NIA Zamboanga Sibugay Irrigation Management Office (ZSIMO) facilitated the signing of a Marketing Agreement under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program on June 19, 2025. The agreement was formalized between the Malungon Calonoyan Irrigators Association (IA) and the Zamboanga Sibugay Vendors held at the Tribal Hall in Barangay Malungon.

The signing, led by IA President Mr. Arnold C. Kumaingking and Vendor Association President Mr. Danilo A. Hortilano, signifies a milestone in promoting local food security and economic empowerment. Through this partnership, the IA gains direct market access for its agricultural produce like banana, root crops and various vegetables; while vendors are assured of fresh, locally sourced goods. This initiative by NIA through EPAHP, helps strengthen community-based food systems and contributes to the broader goal of reducing hunger and poverty in the province.

DIPOLOG CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE - The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office IX, in collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), successfully conducted a Training on Basic Bookkeeping for clustered Irrigators' Associations (IA) in Zamboanga del Norte on June 19-20, 2025, at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City.

The training was attended by representatives from the five Clustered IA Cooperatives in the province together with Institutional Development Officers (IDOS) of NIA-Zamboanga del Norte. It forms part of the continuing convergence initiative between DA and NIA to enhance the organizational and financial management capacity of farmer cooperatives.

This activity also served as a follow-up to the previously held training on Financial Management and Simple Farm Recording conducted in April 2025. It aimed to further improve the financial literacy and record-keeping skills of participating IA cooperatives in support of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program.

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Costa Este IA Agriculture Cooperative held its regular monthly meeting at the Manicahan IA Office on June 19, 2025, bringing together officers and members from District 2 to discuss updates and plans aimed at strengthening the cooperative's operations and support for local farmers. Among the key agenda items were the collection of membership fees to boost financial capacity, the upcoming implementation of the agricultural input program (Seed Capital Fund), and the finalization of policies on attendance, penalties, and monthly contributions to promote discipline and accountability within the organization.

The meeting was facilitated by Janica Basilio, Coop Alternate Focal Person, and led by Coop Chairman Edieson V. Pedro. The cooperative remains committed to holding regular and productive discussions to support its members and enhance the success of their farming activities.