ZAMBOANGA CITY - NIA Region 9 Regional Manager Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza visited Zamboanga City 2nd District Representative, Congressman Jerry "Totong" Perez on July 10, 2025, at his office- residence in Barangay Putik. They discussed ongoing and proposed irrigation projects that aim to improve water access for farmlands in District 2. Engr. Plaza also shared updates on the proposed Pasonanca Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), which is seen to benefit large portions of agricultural land in the area. During the meeting, Congressman Perez raised concerns about farmland affected by recent road developments. NIA officials acknowledged the issue and committed to coordinate with concerned agencies to prevent further disruption to irrigation systems and ensure continuous support to the local farmers.

Grateful for the NIA's attention and action, Congressman Perez thanked NIA for its dedication to help local farmers thrive. He highlighted how partnerships like this play a vital role in sustaining agriculture and improving the lives of constituents in District 2.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Regional Manager Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza of NIA Region 9, along with key officials including Engr. Rey M. Pinatacan and Engr. Sandra T. Tero, paid a courtesy visit to Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete on July 10, 2025, at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian. The meeting centered on the ongoing and proposed irrigation projects in the Island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, with a special focus on Solar Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIP). For CY 2024 and 2025, a total of 15 SPIPs have been allocated across these provinces, supported by georesistivity studies to identify viable water sources. NIA shared its goal of expanding irrigated lands and supporting agricultural productivity in Muslim communities by bringing government services closer to the island provinces. Another proposal discussed was the establishment of NIA Satellite Offices in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to improve project implementation and foster better engagement with local communities, taking into account language and cultural diversity.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - NIA Region 9 Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza paid a courtesy call to Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso on July 10, 2025, to formally present the proposal for the Pasonanca Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), which is currently undergoing a full-blown Feasibility Study. The proposed multi-purpose project features three cascading dams that aim to provide irrigation, flood control, domestic bulk water supply, hydroelectric power, and aquaculture which will bring long- term benefits to Zamboangueños.

Also discussed during the meeting were plans to improve the existing NIA ZAMBASULTA Regional Sub- Office in Barangay Tumaga and the establishment of NIA Satellite Offices in the Island Provinces to enhance service delivery across the region.

Mayor Olaso welcomed the proposals and expressed his full support, including a pledge to support the donation of land for the NIA Zamboanga City Office. NIA, on the other hand, committed to support the mayor's programs, especially those geared toward improving the lives of local farmers.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - To help local farmers take a step closer to cooperative membership, a Pre- Membership Seminar and Orientation was conducted on July 10, 2025, for members of the Taloptap Communal Integrated Irrigators Association. This activity was part of the requirements for joining the Costa Este IA Agriculture Cooperative and aimed to educate participants on the essence of cooperativism and their role in sustaining it.

Led by Institutional Development Officer and Cooperative Focal Person Mr. Femie Jhay Maatubang, with support from IDOs Ms. Darlyn Sanchez and Ms. Jessa Gaile Candia, the session covered cooperative principles, by-laws, member responsibilities, and the many benefits of being part of a registered cooperative, such as access to support programs, financial aid, and capacity-building initiatives. Participants shared that the orientation gave them a better grasp of how cooperatives can empower farmers like them. Many expressed appreciations for the cooperative's democratic setup and pledged to fulfill their responsibilities as active, responsible members working toward shared growth.

BUUG, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — In its continued effort to strengthen farmer organizations and promote sustainable irrigation development, the National Irrigation Administration-Zamboanga Sibugay Irrigation Management Office (ZSIMO) successfully conducted a two-day Basic Leadership Training and
Development Course for the Gabi-Villacastor Solar Pump Irrigators Association (IA) on July 7-8, 2025, at the Barangay Villacastor Hall.

The training was attended by 35 participants, including IA officers led by President Romeo Monsanto and several active members of the newly established association. The course was facilitated by NIA Institutional Development Officers (IDOs) Evagene C. Villareal, Jackirie J. Centino, and Junela Angeline C. Suclatan. It is designed to equip the IA with essential competencies for effective organization management, the training covered fundamental leadership principles, organizational governance, and practical strategies for efficient association operations.