Albay - Catanduanes IMO

02/06/2026

𝐍𝐈𝐀 𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐌𝐎 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬’ 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬

To strengthen the capabilities of Irrigators Associations (IAs) in Albay, the Institutional Development Unit (IDU) of NIA Albay-Catanduanes IMO conducted a series of training sessions on Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation System (SPIS) Operation and Maintenance, Basic Leadership Development Course (BLDC), and Financial Management System (FMS), attended by more than 80 IA officers and operators.

The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of IA officers and operators to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities, effective organizational management, and transparent financial practices.

During the training, Engr. Jose Domingo Berzuela provided orientation and discussions on proper SPIS operation, maintenance, and management. Participants also enhanced their leadership and organizational management capabilities through the BLDC sessions, while the FMS discussions improved their understanding of financial management, accountability, and record-keeping.

The training equipped participating IAs with the competencies needed to sustain irrigation system operations, strengthen organizational performance, and promote responsible financial management.

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01/06/2026

𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 | Success is never achieved alone. Through teamwork, trust, and collaboration, we become stronger together.

During the first Flag Raising Ceremony of the month, Regional Manager Engr. Gaudencio John M. De Vera highlighted the value of interdependence, recognizing that every individual's contribution is vital to achieving a common goal.

As we continue our mission of serving farmers and communities, may we embrace the spirit of working together, supporting one another, and striving for greater accomplishments as one NIA Region V family.

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29/05/2026

SEN. KIKO PANGILINAN VISITS DROUGHT-HIT FARMLANDS IN CAMALIG, ALBAY FOR POSSIBLE SOLAR IRRIGATION PROJECT

LIGAO CITY--A surprise visit was personally conducted by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan to the drought-affected rice fields in Barangay Comun, Camalig on May 28, 2026, as the area is being considered a potential site for the installation of a Solar Irrigation Pump System.

Present during the visit were Engr. Diogemma C. Rodriguez, NIA Region V EOD Manager; Engr. Mark Cloyd G. So, NIA ACIMO Manager; and Engr. Jessica B. Completo, Planning and Design Unit Head. Together with Senator Pangilinan, Camalig Mayor Caloy G. Baldo, the Barangay Captain of Comun, and representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), they formally discussed the current condition of the drought-affected farmlands and the urgent need for a sustainable irrigation system for farmers in the area.

The discussion focused on the possibility of establishing an efficient and reliable irrigation facility through the proposed Solar Pump Irrigation Project to help address the continuing drought affecting the rice fields.
The collaborative effort among concerned agencies and local officials took place following the Agri Fiesta celebration conducted by the Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) at the Albay Farmer's Bounty Village, where Senator Francis Pangilinan served as the guest of honor.

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25/05/2026

21/05/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Some stories of progress begin not with large institutions, but with farmers choosing to work together for a common goal. In the municipality of Polangui, Albay, the formation of the Polangui Farmers Agriculture Cooperative became a testament to how collaboration and shared purpose can create opportunities for the agricultural sector.

The cooperative was conceptualized by two existing Irrigators Associations, the Centro Occidental Ubaliw Kinale Irrigators Association Inc. (CUKIA), headed by Ms. Cherry Ann Riofrio, and the Farmers Irrigators Association of Centro Occidental Polangui, Albay Inc. (FIACOPA), headed by Mr. Dominador B. Magalona, with the full support of incumbent IA officers serving as cooperators. Built on the foundation of unity, the cooperative started with a combined potential of 155 initial investors composed of farmers and members from both organizations.

While maintaining their individual Irrigators Associations, the cooperative was established with a larger vision: to unify farmers and other agricultural stakeholders in Polangui, empower local farming communities, increase productivity, and help members achieve financial independence through cooperative principles.

In just three years, the cooperative has already demonstrated meaningful progress. Through active collaboration and strengthened linkages with various organizations, the group was able to access various forms of assistance and support for its members. More importantly, the cooperative secured representation in the decision-making table, allowing farmers to voice their concerns and advocate for the needs of the agricultural sector.

This journey reflects how empowering farmers through institutional support, capability-building, and strong partnerships can create a lasting impact in rural communities. By continuously strengthening the skills and leadership of farmers and their organizations, opportunities expand, collaboration deepens, and genuine progress takes root in the sector that feeds the nation.

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20/05/2026

UNITING FOR PROGRESS: NIA-ACIMO’S NIA-IA DIALOGUE BOOSTS INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATIONS

LIGAO CITY, ALBAY — This year’s NIA-IA Dialogue, led by the Institutional Development Unit of the NIA Albay-Catanduanes Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ACIMO), strengthened the agency’s partnership and coordination with various national government agencies in Albay through a productive dialogue with representatives of irrigators’ associations (IAs).

Held on May 18, the activity gathered focal persons from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to discuss programs and services that may benefit the irrigators’ associations. The event also provided an avenue for farmers to raise concerns, seek clarifications, share feedback, and present recommendations directly to the participating government agencies.

During the program, NIA-ACIMO Planning and Design Unit Head Engr. Jessica B. Completo presented the status of FY 2026 projects and proposed projects for 2027, while also gathering feedback from the participating IAs. The final part of the activity featured the IMT Assessment and Planning facilitated by Institutional Development Officer A, Ms. Conchita R. Reyes.

As part of its continuing efforts to enhance service delivery, the National Irrigation Administration regularly conducts convergence activities with partner agencies to align government programs and initiatives for farmers. Through the bayanihan approach, the agency aims to bring government services closer to communities while accelerating unified efforts toward the advancement of the agriculture sector.

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20/05/2026

WATER WEDNESDAY | PINAMANIQUIHAN COMMUNAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The Pinamaniquihan Communal Irrigation System (CIS), managed by the Pinamaniquihan Irrigators Association, Inc., continues to play a vital role in boosting agricultural productivity in the City of Ligao and the Municipality of Guinobatan.

Serving as a lifeline for the local farming community in Albay, the Pinamaniquihan CIS provides reliable irrigation water to more than 14 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting 17 farmer-beneficiaries.
Beyond water delivery, the sustained operation of the system helps secure the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and underscores the importance of irrigation in building a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

WATER WEDNESDAY | PINAMANIQUIHAN COMMUNAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The Pinamaniquihan Communal Irrigation System (CIS), managed by the Pinamaniquihan Irrigators Association, Inc., continues to play a vital role in boosting agricultural productivity in the City of Ligao and the Municipality of Guinobatan.

Serving as a lifeline for the local farming community in Albay, the Pinamaniquihan CIS provides reliable irrigation water to more than 14 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting 17 farmer-beneficiaries.

Beyond water delivery, the sustained operation of the system helps secure the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and underscores the importance of irrigation in building a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

19/05/2026

TRIVIA TUESDAY | Burning rice straw after harvest may seem like a quick way to clear fields, but it comes with serious environmental and health consequences. Open burning releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, methane, and fine particulate matter that can severely affect air quality and trigger respiratory illnesses among nearby communities.

Experts also warn that the smoke produced from rice straw burning contributes to global climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Instead of burning, farmers are encouraged to explore sustainable alternatives such as composting, mulching, or using rice straw as organic fertilizer to help protect both public health and the environment.

Sources: World Health Organization (WHO), PhilRice, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research

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18/05/2026

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY | Hindi lamang sa tahanan nasusukat ang pagiging isang ina, kundi maging sa larangan ng serbisyo publiko kung saan araw-araw na isinasabuhay ang malasakit, tiyaga, at responsibilidad para sa kapakanan ng iba. Bilang isang ina at Operations Unit Head sa NIA Albay-Catanduanes IMO, pinapatunayan na ang tunay na pamumuno ay nakaugat sa malasakit, tamang paggabay, at taos-pusong paglilingkod sa mga magsasaka at komunidad.

Ayon kay Engr. Ma. Dolores S. Belgado, mahalaga ang maayos na pakikipag-ugnayan, wastong pagdedesisyon, at pagkakaroon ng malasakit upang mapanatili ang maayos na operasyon at distribusyon ng tubig para sa kapakinabangan ng mga magsasaka. Tulad ng isang ina na inuuna ang kapakanan ng kanyang pamilya, buong dedikasyon din niyang ginagampanan ang kanyang tungkulin upang masiguro ang maayos at episyenteng pamamahala ng irigasyon.
Binigyang-diin din niya na ang disiplina, tiyaga, at kakayahang umunawa sa iba ay ilan sa mahahalagang katangiang nakatutulong upang maging mas epektibo, makatao, at responsableng lider sa loob ng ahensya. Sa pamamagitan ng mga pagpapahalagang ito, mas napapalakas ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan sa lugar ng trabaho na nagiging daan upang makapaghatid ng mas mahusay na serbisyo publiko.

Higit pa rito, itinuturing din niyang mahalaga ang pagiging gabay at pangalawang ina sa kanyang mga kasamahan sa opisina. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-unawa, suporta, at inspirasyon, naipapakita na ang tunay na lider ay hindi lamang nagbibigay ng utos kundi nagbibigay rin ng motibasyon at malasakit upang sama-samang maisulong ang tapat, makatao, at dekalidad na serbisyo para sa sambayanan.

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