RAMON MAGSAYSAY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — The NIA Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDSIMO) conducted a Turn-out Service Area Group (TSAG) Meeting on June 19, 2025, in Barangay Katipunan to address irrigation concerns from three Irrigators Associations (IAs) covering over 70 hectares of non-operational farmland. The meeting gathered 22 IA officers and leaders from Magkat IA Inc., Katipunan Valley IA Inc., and Tumaro Dinuyog IA Inc.

Key requests included canal lining and extension from Magkat IA, with a 2.5-kilometer concrete canal proposal and a scheduled field survey on June 20 to assess feasibility. Katipunan Valley IA sought the continuation of a 3-kilometer earth canal and committed to providing fuel for backhoe operations after the October harvest. Tumaro Dinuyog IA proposed a solar-powered irrigation system, with NIA advising the submission of a resolution and land donation for site development.

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — To strengthen the implementation of irrigation projects and improve coordination with farmer-irrigators, the NIA Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDSIMO) conducted the NIA-IA Operation and Maintenance Conference and the 2nd Quarter MANIDUTAGUI Federation Meeting on June 20, 2025, at Pilgrims Hotel, Tuburan, Pagadian City.

The activity aimed to provide important updates on ongoing irrigation operations, address issues in non- operational areas, and present the current status of 2024-2025 irrigation projects. It also served as a venue to discuss challenges in the field, guide IAs in following NIA's Operation and Maintenance policies, and share updates on IA cooperatives that support the sustainability of irrigation systems.

During the forum, NIA officials emphasized the importance of regular coordination meetings to ensure that all IA concerns are heard and addressed on time. They also reminded IA leaders to submit official resolutions when requesting services to ensure proper documentation and faster action.

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — The NIA Zamboanga Sibugay Irrigation Management Office (ZSIMO), led by Acting Division Manager Engr. Maria Gertrudes P. Gania, is currently conducting an Orientation on Material Testing and Quality Control at the NIA-ZSIMO Conference Hall.

The activity is facilitated by Engr. Erlindo S. Akiatan III, the Regional Material Testing and Quality Control (MTQC) Focal Person. The orientation brings together NIA technical personnel, Project-in-Charge engineers, construction firm representatives, and Assistant IMO Head Engr. Marie Therese T. Taladua to reinforce best practices in quality assurance.

The initiative aims to strengthen the agency's capacity to ensure that all construction materials and processes meet the required standards. Material testing and quality control are essential for ensuring the safety, durability, and compliance of infrastructure projects. Through this activity, NIA-ZSIMO reaffirms its commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable irrigation systems that support agricultural productivity and long-term development in Zamboanga Sibugay.

DIPOLOG CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE-NIA Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza paid a courtesy call to re-elected 3rd District Congressman Adrian Michael Amatong on June 18, 2025, to discuss ongoing and future development initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving the livelihood of farmers in the district.

Discussions focused on the progress of ongoing projects, proposed 2025 and 2026 projects, and the identification of non-operational areas needing funding support. Also highlighted were future plans for medical missions and the construction of flood control and multipurpose dams, particularly in flood-prone areas within the 3rd District.

Joining the courtesy call were NIA officials Engr. Rey M. Pinatacan, Acting Engineering and Operations Division Manager, Engr. Jesreel Intic, Construction Unit Head, Engr. Vanessa Grace Dugay, Acting Planning Unit Head, and Vincent Caboverde, Acting Institutional Development Officer-A, all from the NIA Zamboanga del Norte Sub-Office.

On June 18,2025, Engr. Girlie M. Detalla, Division Manager of NIA Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDSIMO), paid a courtesy call to Mayor Cyril Reo A. Glepa, MD to discuss about the proposed lot allocation for a Rice Processing System (RPS) intended for the Molave Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative.

The project will benefit 1,266 farmer-members and cover an irrigated area of 2,073.31 hectares. Mayor Glepa expressed his support for the initiative and committed to coordinate with the assessors regarding a 4,000-square-meter lot that may be allocated for the RPS site.

The meeting reflects a shared commitment between the NIA and the local government to enhance post- harvest support for farmers and improve the agricultural productivity in Municipality of Molave.