The Mahayag Dam of Salug River Irrigation System (SARIS) located in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur is currently undergoing major repairs for its Modernization and Automation.

The modernization and automation project of the Mahayag Dam has a total allocation of 114million. The major repairs include Retrofitting of existing sluiceway piers and towers; Construction of four (4) sets additional sluiceways; Construction of river protection; Modernization of sluice and intake gates through fabrication and installation of 4 sets of new sluicegates and 10 sets of new intake gates; and Installation of Dam Automation System.

The construction of additional sluiceways will ensure a more efficient silt removal and flood mitigation, while the new gates will ensure efficient dam operation against climate change. The Automation System of the Mahayag Dam is one of NIA's modernization strategies on its irrigation systems to mitigate the rapid detrimental effects of climate change.

DUMINGAG, ZDS - Residents of Brgy. Saad considered Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur benefitted from the information & services given by various National Government Agencies through the Impormasyon-Serbisyo Caravan "Nagkakaisang Gobyerno, Serbisyong Bayan" of the Mindanao Communicators Network, Inc. Region IX Chapter, held on October 25, 2022.

NIA Region IX represented by its Public Relations Officer, Jennylyn R. Cleofe imparted to the locals the basic information of National Irrigation Administration's programs and services. At present, barangay Saad does not have any irrigation facilities yet. Due to rolling and mountainous terrain, rice is rarely planted in the area but most residents engaged in planting corn, banana, coconut, cassava, and  other diversified crops.

Among the services offered during the one-day caravan include Medical and Dental services of the Philippine Army, feeding program, and distribution of livelihood kits and school supplies from various government agencies.

Earlier today, 53 construction personnel working for NIA-9 Regional Office were given individual sets of safety gears  or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comprised of hard hats, safety vests, safety boots, gloves, welding helmets, welding gloves, and reflectorized long sleeves.

When it comes to construction, it is crucial to implement the appropriate safety gear to ensure that all employees on the site remain safe. Using the appropriate safety gear can substantially reduce the chances of injuries from occurring.

 Thus, during the toolbox meeting, Engr. Jessan Francis J. Ocampo, demonstrated the proper donning of PPEs and explained the importance of each equipment. Also, a brief talk on Occupational Safety and Health was imparted by Sr. Industrial Nurse Carousel Mae Soria-Lamatan, which was followed by checking of blood pressure of workers prior proceeding to their respective work areas.

DIPLAHAN, ZAMBO. SIBUGAY.  The Zamboanga Sibugay Irrigation Management Office (ZSIMO) conducts System Management Committee Meeting and Operation & Maintenance Planning at D'Haven Suites, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The main objective of the meeting is the presentation of Cropping Calendar and Pattern of Planting for CY 2023, and Water Distribution Schedule. Likewise, it is a venue to address issues and concerns raised by the Irrigators Associations concerned.

The meeting is spearheaded by ZSIMO headed by Acting Manager Girlie Detalla  and attended by 21 Irrigators Association (IA) Presidents, 8 Barangay Chairpersons, Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) representative, Mr. Ronnel Arevalo, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) representative, Mr. Oscar Catubig, SB members of Buug and Bayog, Mr. Edwardo Emorecho and Antonio Ocariza, and representatives from NIA-IX Regional Office, Operations & Maintenance Unit Head, Engr. Arnon Carbonilla , Supervising IDO Rosie Lyn Bayawa , and Legal Officer, Atty. Katherine Grace Cortez Lumilis.

NIA Region 9 Manager Salome Naragas Layasan meets NIA Region 10 Manager Leonila Tenestrante at NIA -10 Regional Office, Cagayan de Oro City on Sept. 29-30, 2022 to discuss matters pertaining the Dawa Small Irrigation Project (SIP).

The Dawa SIP is located in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur. However, the water source where the dam is built is located in Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental, which is part of Region 10. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the irrigation system has an allocation of 15M and 10M will irrigate 25 hectares and 45 hectares reapectively in the municipality of Josefina.

The two-day meeting aimed to reconcile areas under by Dawa SIP as well as areas under Salug River Irrigation System (SARIS).  RM Layasan was accompanied by Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDS IMO) Head, Engr. Benedicto Isagani O. Pulis Jr., and ZDS IMO Institutional Development Unit Head, Ms. Ann N. Maligro, while RM Tenestrante was with the Operations Staff of NIA-X.