Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Regulations Zamzamin L. Ampatuan together with DA Regional Executive Director Rad Donn Cedenio and party visited NIA Region 9 on October 21, 2020 (Wednesday), just in time of the arrival of incoming NIA R9 Regional Manager Manuel L. Rañeses.

As one of DA's partner agencies, USEC Ampatuan shared his visions and plans for this region and hoped for a more strengthened partnership between the two (2) agencies for the benefit of all farmers and Irrigations Associations in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – NIA Region 9 took part in the Joint Leadership Turnover Ceremony held on October 14, 2020 thru virtual ceremony with NIA Administrator Gen Ricardo R Visaya (Ret) as presiding officer.

The principals of the said ceremony were Engr. Rory F. Avance, Regional Manager of NIA Region 9; Engr. Manuel L. Rañeses, Regional Manager of NIA Region 8; Engr. Jonel B. Borres, Officer-In-Charge of Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II, and Engr. Ruby C. Tuan, Jr., Engineering and Operations Division Manager or NIA Region 13.

NIA Region 9 will be gaining Engr. Manuel L. Rañeses as their new Regional Manager. He served one year and four months as Regional Manager of NIA Region 8. During his acceptance speech which was delivered online, he expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for giving him the opportunity to lead NIA Region 9, and humbly asked for the support and commitment of his future staff.

In spite being impacted by the pandemic, challenges have been managed on the observance of the new normal.

Today, NIA R9 ZAMBASULTA RSO successfully inaugurated and turned-over the constructed intake structure, ground level reservoir and pipe laying at LIMPAPA SIP.

The ceremony was lead by the ZRSO Acting Manager Engr. Robert Berni L. Rada II with the support of the IDS Head Leni S. Enriquez, PIC Joselito T. Falcasantos, IDO Jameson B. Atilano. Joined by the Officials/BOTs & members of Limpapa HVC Farmers Irrigators' Association and Barangay Limpapa Officials and staff.

Amongst the guests were Hon. Halima J.Apalad (Limpapa Brgy. Chairman, Mr. Nasser J. Abdulla (IA President), Hon. Elorde Amalan (Brgy. Kagawad) and Mr. Vie Jay M. Eullaran (Office of the City Agriculture Representative).

As quoted by Engr. Rada, "that upon his assumption at the office of ZAMBASULTA RSO, this is his first completed project in which he was hands on from the start of the project."

The Solar Pump Irrigation Project of NIA Region 9 in Zamboanga City, being the first solar-powered irrigation in the whole region, is situated in barangay Mercedes, Zamboanga City, and can irrigate five (5) hectares of agricultural land which will benefit poorly irrigated and rain-dependent farmers in the area.

Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region IX has a new regional manager in the person of Engr. Rory F. Avance who officially assumed office on November 14, 2019 in a turnover ceremony held at NIA Regional Office IX Covered Court, this municipality.

The turnover of regional leadership from Engr. Mario H. Sande to the new regional manager was presided by NIA Administrator Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya (Ret). Other top officials from NIA Central Office also attended the said turnover including Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance, MGen Romeo G Gan, head of the Inspection and Assessment Team (IAT), PBGen Asher M. Dolina, Security and Management Consultant for Western Mindanao, Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz and visitors from NIA Region 12.