The Labangan River Irrigation System (LABRIS) of NIA-9 Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDS IMO) conducted the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) and Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) Caravan last September 5, 2023 at the Lantian Covered Court, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

This is to address the condonation of the farmers' Irrigation Service Fee (ISF) back accounts. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 9 staff is also present during to activity to extend effort on registering and updating the 29 Irrigators Associations (IAs) of LABRIS in the RSBSA.

This nationwide event, spearheaded by the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), aims to raise awareness and enhance disaster preparedness in the event of a potential earthquake.

Farmer leaders of 18 Irrigators Associations in Zamboanga Peninsula benefit from an exclusive orientation on Wagyu Cattle Raising by Bagong Bayani Awardee – Mr. Arnel T. Corpuz, Co-owner of Adelaide River Farms, held on September 7, 2023 at NIA Function Hall, Regional Center, Balintawak, Pagadian City.

This advocacy is part of the 7-point agenda of NIA Administrator Eduardo G. Guillen which is the Capacity Building of Irrigators Associations. Hence, NIA-9 Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza implements  the said initiative to fulfill the vision of NIA Administrator to champion Wagyu Cross Breed Production in the country.

The said training was also participated by NIA officials and guests coming from the Pagadian City Government represented by Vice Mayor Baldomero “Boy Baleleng” Fernandez, Councilor Jigger Ariosa, and Hon. Arnold Gavenia.

Earlier today, September 6, 2023, the Institutional Development Unit (IDU) of Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDS IMO) led by Supervising Irrigation Development Officer, Ms. Ann N. Maligro conducted a caravan on Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) and Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA), held in Municipal Gymnasium, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur.

Two (2) groups of Irrigators Associations (IA) namely the Sagasan Mialem, Inc. and Culasian River IA, Inc. were given assistance both by the NIA and the DA in the processing of their Certificate of Exemption on the payment of Irrigation Service Fee (ISF), and in the registration to DA’s centralized database for the purpose of distribution of assistance and programs of the government.

NIA Region IX in collaboration with its IAs and stakeholders convene for a Systems Committee Meeting (SMC) today, September 6, 2023, held at Leaving Uy Reception Hall,  Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Agenda of the meeting covers the adoption of IA policies as local ordinance; status of IA Clustering and Cooperative; and status of Irrigation Service Fee (ISF).

NIA-9 Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza spearheads the SMC Meeting together with the management of Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDS IMO) – Engr. Benedicto Isagani O. Pulis Jr., and Head of Dipolo River Irrigation System (DIRPIS) – Engr. Rey M. Pinatacan.

Also present are the committee members coming from the local government unit represented by Hon. Edgar Jamero, Vice Mayor of Dumingag; the Irrigators Associations headed by Federated President Ronald B. Pepito; Seed grower – Mr. Elias Jamero; representative from MENRO – Roel Egos, Acting Chief of Police – PMAJ Marlon C. Mangan-ay; Barangay Chairpersons; Sangguniang Barangay (SB) members; Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation; and officials and staff of NIA Region IX.