Story on page 4 NIA XI — IA Celebrating Partnership ...

The Official Newsletter of NIA, Region XI April—July 2013

WINNINGS : Great Help to IAs

Officials brief visits to NIA-XI

DAVAO CITY. NIA-XI Irrigators Associations (IA) garnered their feats in the recent search for Most Outstanding IAs and distinguished in an accolade held during the NIA 50th anniversary on June 25, 2013 at NIA, Quezon City. Recognized with plaques and the incentives in the form of project grants and monetary prizes, the IAs regarded these win-nings as IA funds generated for IA projects that benefit the farmers in the associations. Expressing their gratitude to California Energy and the Aboitiz Company for the cash awards donated for this cause, the donors’ generosity further advancement of IAs and its members. Like-wise, in the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Program, the Department of Agriculture has successfully made the best initiative integration and intervention when they trust the viable farmer- IAs with the P1M Project Grant each. “The prize money is really of great help to us”, said Ms. Gladys P. Draculan, IA President of Upper Sinayawan Farmers IA (UPSFIA), awarded Most Outstanding

Usec Antonio A. Fleta, Undersecretary for Administra-tion and Finance of the Department of Agriculture and concurrent the Chairman of the NIA Board came by the regional office on July 18, 2013 for a brief visit. RIM Modesto G. Membreve and Division Managers Encarnacion S. Soriano and Caridad K. Sison toured him around NIA-XI regional office, It was a short visit but catching up with this dignitary in such a simple ambiance makes a difference and among the few opportunities NIA-XI has to bond with him com-fortably. Adm. Claro V. Maranan, Deputy Adm. Robert C. Suguitan & Deputy Lorna Grace B. Rosario As he made his short ocular visit to the NIA-XI on July 17, 2013, NIA Administrator Claro V. Maranan briskly got off the vehicle when he saw a throng of NIA staff tossing a warm welcome right at the NIA-XI regional office gate. As it is NIA-XI's first to meet Adm. Ma-ranan, eagerness and enthusiasm paint their faces and … go to p.3

Usec. Antonio A. Fleta with RIM Modesto G. Membreve and Div. Mgr. Encarnacion S. Sori-ano during his short visit at NIA Regional Office XI, Davao City on July 18, 2013.

Adm. Claro V. Maranan walking with NIA region XI staff towards the main building when he came by NIA-XI regional office, Davao City on July 17, 2013.

Continue on page 3

P48.3 M PIDP FUNDS LUPON IS REHAB PROJECT Marking the onset of rehabilitation project construction at Lupon Irrigation System,

Davao Oriental IMO conducts the Pre-Construction Conference at PCU, Bagumbayan, Lupon, Davao Oriental on May 17, 2013. Under the Participatory Irrigation Development Project (PIDP), total Project Cost of P48,304,357 is allotted for the project entailing the rehabilitation of canals and structures of the said system which is the sole package for Lupon IS. The meet-ing is well represented, 120 participants attended led by IMO Manager Jimmy C. Ceros, NIA-XI regional office Institutional Dev. Chief, Ms. Paz M. Felix and Supervising Engineer Maria Mae N. Edulantes; PIDP Consultant , Engr. Amado B. Serrano ; 14 Irrigators Associations Members and Officers; Hon. Outgoing Mayor of Banaybanay, Pedro T. Mejos and Municipal Engineer Enriquez; DA Provincial Agriculturist of Davao Oriental Reymundo L. Curammeng; Brgy Captains and councilors from barangays Bagumbayan, Gereroso M. Raṅeses; Brgy. Ta-gugpo, Renato Lanos and Antonio Berdos, Brgy. Capt. of Caganganan; and the Contractor

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing during the PIDP Pre-construction meeting at PCU, Lupon, Davao Oriental on May 17, 2013. L-R sitting, IMO Mgr. Jimmy Ceros, contractor– Engr. Cahulogan, IA Fed Pres. Mike Canakan, PIDP Point Person Engr. Ma. Mae Edullantes and IDP Chief Paz M. Felix; R-L standing, PIDP Consultant Engr. Amado Serrano, IDS Head Christelyn Sobrecary, IA Presidents and NIA XI Davao Oriental IMO Staff

Upper Sinayawan Farmers IA (UPSFIA), Davao del Sur;Top, IA Pres. receiving award at NIACO; middle, winning cheques; down, IA building improvement

Continue on page 2

Page 2 STREAM April - July 2013

Dear Colleagues,

As we conclude the first semester of CY 2013, there are a couple of challenging events that strengthen us to pursue our goals in accelerating project implementation and intensify rice production.

Anniversary Stint. This quarter culminates the recent commemo-ration of 50th NIA year of service to the farmer irrigators where NIA-XI sent a delegation to NIA central for various friendly competitions. I would like to congratulate all of us for the active participation we have partaken. By our concerted and best efforts, we indeed brought home to NIA-XI the relished “bacon” like the Hall of Fame and Most Outstanding IA Awards; Sportsfest Championship for the Table Tennis event and over-all 1st runner-up award; and Outstanding IMO Manager for Compostela Valley. Certainly, the per-formances of the pep squad cheerdancers and the cultural/folk dance troupe; and the aura of Ms. NIA and the anniversary Muse invigorated and boosted the competing spirits of NIA-XI.

With His Excellency Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III being forthright about irrigation issues during the awarding program that placed NIA on instant spotlight, we gathered our strength altogether, and once more, we come to unite by the commitment we have for irrigation develop-ment.

Administration Turn-over. As he leaves the portals of NIA, we thank former Adm. Antonio S. Nangel for the harmonious and peaceful turn-over of NIA management to HON. CLARO V. MARANAN, our NIA Administrator who pledges to support us. Under his administration, we shall remain steadfast and strengthen our capabilities to pick up the pace in accomplishing project completion and increasing rice production.

Make ourselves stronger as we journey in fulfilling our mission to irrigation development. MODESTO G. MEMBREVE, CESO Regional Manager

NIA EASP Updates

H E A D L I N E , Winnings: Great Help to IAs , Officials’ brief visits to NIA-XI, P48.3 M PIDP Funds For Lupon Rehab Project, Pre-Const. And MOU Signing From the RIM’s Desk NIAEASP Updates Contents G-BEST, Segment of GAD Editor’s note NIA XI – IA Celebrating Partnership Cheers to NIA 0NSE! Green Page, Tree Planting in Region XI

Maer Summit Konstrukt rep Engr. Joventino P. Cahulogan. Engr. Ceros rendered the Project Briefing Presentation of POW & PIDP Guidelines &

Schedule of Construction Activities while DO IMO O&M Head Dennis P. Larrobis presented and discussed the Cropping Calendar and Water Delivery Plans.

Issues and agenda were discussed and agreements were reached during the meeting which focused on the farmers’ concerns with NIA-XI and the contractor to wit; Schedule of Water Distribution: would start on June 1 to July 2013; Manpower: unskilled farmers be con-sidered for Labor force on Takay contract and skilled farmers be hired as skilled force; For Equity: 25% deduction from laborers’ wages during construction for Patubigan Trust Funds and those hired from outside would be required to render 25% equity; For the Contract Obli-gation: submission of documents to NIA office shall be done for monthly monitoring meet-ing: these documents shall consist of organization chart of personnel, construction schedule and availability of construction equipment; For the Contractor: it was agreed that the IAs are required to monitor the project and the NIA shall handle the project supervision; Curing Pe-riod: shall be 28 days; Quality of CHB - should be 45 CHB/bag; Joint Survey: is scheduled on May 21, 2013; Concreting Works: should have pouring permit requested; IA should be informed in cases of changes of work items; ROW Negotiation - shall be shouldered by the IAs and the LGU: Billing for the Contractor: shall be signed by the IA Federation President; Coordination meetings: between NIA and contractor; NIA should discuss matters with the IAs; Profiles and Pictures: should be attached to the reports, and lastly, System Manage-ment Committee (SMC) meeting: shall be held monthly.

Agreements were stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) presented by Ms. Christelyn A. Sobrecary, IDS Head of the IMO. The parties affixed their signatures to signify their conformity and accord, Fed. Pres. Mike Canakan representing the Davao Ori-ental Fed of IAs (DOFIA); for Davao Oriental IMO, Acting Manager Jimmy J. Ceros; Engr. Joventino P. Cahulogan, Operations Manager of Contractor Maer Summit Konstrukt and the PIDP Focal Person for NIA-XI based at the regional office, Engr. Ma. Mae N. Edullantes.

Grateful of the PIDP project at Lupon Irrigation System, the farmers and the LGU as well as the NIA-XI expected that improvement and repair of structures shall make the irriga-tion system more effective in boosting rice production and will benefits more farmers.

P48.3 M PIDP Funds… from page 1

Healthcare Program. NIAEASP District XI employed the services of MAXICARE HEALTHCARE CORPORATION to cover the period July 17, 2013 to July 16, 2014. A total of 137 individuals were enrolled in the program in which 95 persons are NIA employees from the NIA XI regional office, Davao del Norte Irrigation Management Office (IMO), Davao Oriental IMO, Compos-tela Valley IMO, Davao del Sur IMO, Saug RIS in Davao del Norte and some from South Cotabato IMO; and their 42 dependents. Membership cards were issued to all enrollees to make healthcare benefits available to enrollees and cash card in one. As a Health Card, the Maxicare card functions as access to Maxicare Pri-mary Care Centers and in accredited hospitals and clinics nationwide. Check the list of accredited hospitals and clinics and Summary of Coverage and read the Healthcare Program for NIAEASP leaflet they provided. As a Cash Card, expediencies are provided such as: Electronic cash credits of Maxicare approved reimbursement making processing faster and there is no need to wait for 3-day clearing; Withdrawable reimbursement fund anytime through Equicom Savings Bank branches and other ATM kiosks and Convenient cash-less purchasing of using the card. Maxicare Healthcare Corporation is located at 3rd Floor, FTC Tower, Mt. Apo St., Davao City, tel# For Out Patient: (082) 305-8555/ 300-5553 and For In Patient: 300-3019/ 300-35-18; mobile phone # 0917-594-1768, or visit its web at www.maxicare.com.ph. For your infor-mation. 50th NIA Anniversary. In time for the 50th NIA Anniversary and Irriga-tion Week celebration on June 16-25, 2013, the NIAEASP NIA XI District facilitated and took charge of implementing the rules, regulations and poli-cies of the Sportsfest emphasizing on the “ no to imports” drive. Support-ing the drive, the NIAEASP District officers made constant checks on the players and their backgrounds; also made frequent visits to the NIAEASP facebook to get updates and issues of the NIA celebration. In the prepara-tion of the sports fest and competitions, NIAEASP District kept abreast and awareness of all developments regarding the events. Hence, with the inspir-ing support of RIM Modesto G. Membreve and the individual staff collaborat-ing towards achieving the region’s common goals in joining the contest, the delegation in entirety carried their tasks competently that, in manifestation of their efforts, NIA-XI brought home honor and awards.

Page 3 STREAM April - July 2013

G-BEST, SEGMENT OF GAD Gender-Based Effectiveness Skills Training (G-BEST), held on April 29-30, 2013 at Waterfront Davao Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City is sponsored by the NIA-XI Women In Government Service (WINGS) and Gender And Development (GAD) chaired by Division Manager Caridad K. Sison of the NIA-XI Administrative and Finance Division being the GAD’s focal person in the Department of Agricul-ture family. As segment of GAD, 64 participants from the IMOs of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and regional office attended the G-BEST. Facilitating the training was Dr. Leo L. Gallego, PhD. whose expertise on GAD enabled the participants to get a better grasp on gender issues, basics and ori-entation which increased their level of appreciation and understand-ing. There were varied exercises relaying the essence of gender during the G-BEST and interesting topics inculcating gender histori-cal overview, perceptions, ladder, gender & sex, identity, scripts, speech & language and many more lively sessions that facilitate learning and camaraderie altogether. RIM Modesto G. Membreve graced the seminar by his inspiring speech. He said that maybe many were surprised why both men and women attended the training; many may not know well about GAD and holds that notion that gender correlates to women. In Ja-pan and South Cotabato, he cited that women are considered sec-ond class when in GAD, there should be equal opportunities among men and women. Considering the importance of GAD, even the Regional Development Council (RDC), inquires about the budget for GAD in the Programs that NIA has been submitting. He stressed that GAD is for everyone with the women on the forefront of leadership. Projects of GAD will have a slot in the programs at IMOs. He noted that projects conducted by women are successful. With equal opportunities, women rulers are called iron women and in Asia, there are already many. Directing the participants to make this training a successful one and be Proactive, he advised them to study and do their best. Engr. Encarnacion S. Soriano, Division Manager of NIA-XI Engineering and Operations remarked in closure that the participants are lucky to have attended the G-BEST because of the good deliberation of the speaker and the level of participation that the group has attained. She observed that the participants have enjoyed while learning and by that, there will be teamwork and thorough understanding of each other.

Editor’s note:

WINNINGS… from page 1 IA nationwide in the national irrigation systems (NIS) cate-gory. She disclosed that the winnings they earned from this contest worth P 200,000.00 with the P 75,000.00 2nd prize they obtained last year in the same contest are presently utilized in the extension of their IA office building and the P 1,000,000.00 prize money they won in the Agri Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Award has been invested in a Production Loan timely providing farm inputs and financial needs of mem-bers for their farming activities. Farmer-members availing the loan find the scheme easier to repay with services far cheaper than the credits they get from the traders outside UPSFIA. Basak Pangutosan CARP (BPCIA) got the Hall of Fame award. Its IA President Lemuel Alvior said that the Prize money they make from the consecutive achievements in the Most Outstanding IA competition and the P 1M Agri-Pinoy award and other contests have been used to fund the presently on-going construction of their IA Training Center which is almost completed and will serve them better in the future. Utilizing their winnings, San Agustin Ruparan Barangay Irrigation Dev. Asso. (SARBIDA) caters loan assistance to its members while Awao Communal IA ( ACIA) engages in Palay Trading and Katipunan Semong ISA (KASE ISA) put the funds on single pass rice mill. All ventures within the IA are placed in its best use and properly accounted. Previous Hall of Famers IAs have likewise managed the funds they derived from the winnings. Badagoy IA, Da-vao del Sur has Big time Seed Production which generates more returns for the IA and the farmers’ convenience of declining loans from the merchants outside the IA. DITCIA of Davao del Norte ventures on Palay Trading which help farmers market their produce with higher selling prices.

Officials visit… from page 1 while heading towards the office, he casually said that he can speak Da-vao's mother tongue, the mixed Visayan vernacular, because he did in-spections in Davao City when he was still with the Philippine Ports Author-ity. In the company of Deputy Administrator Robert C. Suguitan of the En-gineering and Operations; and Deputy Administrator for Admin and Finance Lorna Grace B. Rosario with other NIA-CO staff, Adm. Maranan exchange pleasantries with RIM Modesto G. Membreve and Division Managers En-carnacion S. Soriano, Caridad K. Sison, former NIA-XI's Regional Director Agustin A. Cordoba, Jr. and some IMO Managers.

Dear Readers, You may observe that this issue goes a bit beyond the news for the 2nd quar-ter. There are events that took place in the early part of July 2013. We did include these on purpose to catch up with the dignitaries and officials coming to NIA-XI for the first time. It is somehow to picture DA Usec. Antonio Fleta, our very own Chairman of the NIA Board, and Adm. Claro V. Maranan who has just assumed his post as NIA Administrator. Other July news will be pub-lished in the 3rd quarter of Stream. Also, we encourage both the Region XI farmers and the NIA staff to contribute articles to Stream. Share your poten-tials and be a channel of wisdom to everyone. God bless you more. Badette G. Robin, editor

(Clockwise), A group showing their workshop output; RIM Membreve delivering speech; Dr. Leo Gallego process-ing workshop outputs; and, Close up of a workshop output– A Clay “Family” miniature during the G-BEST held at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City on April 29-30, 2013.

For NIA-XI IAs, any good challenge that ameliorates living conditions becomes a motivating factor to strive harder and the “winnings” that follow encourage them to do their best.

Page 4 STREAM April - July 2013

NIA Region XI and the Irrigators Associations from the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley come together at NIA regional office in Davao City on June 4-5, 2013, to celebrate the partnership they have nurtured for 50 years of NIA-XI ser-vice to the irrigation communities in this occasion they called the NIA XI – IA Day. At the provincial level, the IMOs with their respective IAs have already conducted the NIA-IA Day where all IAs have shared their farm products, comradeship and camaraderie. 300 farmers in IAs, NIA Staff and guests joined in the gathering and filled the day with festive moods and market day atmosphere. Decorative arch at the entrance welcomes the participants with bantings dangling overhead. Matching the ambiance are several activities slated for the day. Parade led by RIM Modesto G. Membreve with Division Managers Encarnacion S. Soriano, Caridad K. Sison and the RIO Staff, the IMO Managers with IAs, farmers and the IMO staff march past the streets of NIA interior road and Bolton Extension passing along PhilHealth office up to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and back to office halting at the Entrance Arch for the occasion’s launching rites. RIM Membreve and the Division Managers did the honor to lead the Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting that signals the onset of the NIA-XI-IA Day. Programs, Opening & Closing. During the opening program, Re-gional Executive Director Remelyn R. Recoter of the Department of Agriculture, RFU XI updated on the releases for Typhoon Pablo pro-jects; DA’s programs for IAs like the Agri-Pinoy program and status of Rice Industry correlating in the increase of rice productivity. She said that there will be lots of work for NIA and assured of DA’s support. Re-gional Irrigation Manager Modesto G. Membreve of NIA-XI recognized DA’s assistance to outstanding IAs and noted that NIA’s anniversary is more of a gesture of thanksgiving for reaching the 50th year of providing irrigation services, for having the best IAs and DA being the best sup-porter. “For this is such a successful event”, he said, “ let us carry on and continue this celebration of partnership and camaraderie”. On the other hand, Engr. Cesar E. Gonzales, former NIA Administrator re-marked that in all his life, it is here in this region that he finds the best relationships between the NIA and the farmers. Mr. Saturnino Simbajon, Regional Confederation of IAs XI President responded that they are thankful for NIA-XI’s assistance in the aspect of irrigation. Best Booth. An array of booths the IMOs and the IA Federations put up were competing cubicle showcasing their products for sale ranging from rice in different varieties, corn, bananas, coconuts, fruits, vegeta-bles, farm eggs, vinegar, native delicacies as “suman ibus”, malagkit, and balanghoy. The NIAns and the neighbors at Bolton Extension Road had the chance to purchase freshly farm products at the booths. Crite-ria for the best booth are: highest sales and its appearance. Results: First Prize – Davao Oriental IMO winning P 15,000.00; 2nd Prize – Compostela Valley with Cash Prize of P 12,000.00; 3rd Prize – Davao

Federation of IAs, Compostela Valley IMO Davao del Norte Federation of IAs Davao del Sur Davao City Fed of IAs Davao Oriental Federation of IAs

L-R,Trinita Cañete, Elyn Lagrosa– crowned Mutya ng NIA-XI IA CY 2013, Larissa Escalona and Eva Bernadas… Congratulations!

Booth of Compostela Valley IMO, Ms. Inday Butad, “sales lady”

“Lemon Relay” played by pairs - left, Dvo Norte; center, Dvo Oriental which won this fun game and right , Compostela Valley during the NIA XI-IA DAY on June 4, 2013 at regional office, Davao City.

del Norte with P 10,000.00 and 4th Prize – Davao del Sur IMO getting P 8,000.00. Fun Games. Right after the parade, Fun Games were held at the cov-ered court where players from the regional office and the IMOs NIA staff and farmers competed in the parlor games such as Egg Relay, Marble Tea, and Sack Race. Davao Oriental IMO was proclaimed the over-all champion for the fun games, followed by second placer, the Regional Office, then, third place won by Compostela Valley and fourth went to Davao del Norte IMO. Playing the games were indeed amusing and fun manifested on the faces of all present during the games. Winners got cash for their prize money. Mutya ng NIA-XI Irrigators Associations Pageant. Four (4) IA candi-dates were vying for the crown during the Mutya ng IA Muse night on June 4, 2013 at the regional office covered court hosted by the stand up comedians. Board of Judges were Division Manager Encarnacion S. Soriano of the Engineering & Operations Division (EOD); Division Man-ager Caridad K. Sison of the Admin. & Finance Division (AFD) and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lina M. Montilde. Based on the Audience Im-pact, Intellect and Personality as criteria for the pageant, the candidates underwent several tests as in walking before the audience up and down the stage, making more poses and engage in the Question & Answer Portion. And the winner is … ELYN LAGROSA of Davao Oriental IMO was proclaimed Mutya ng NIA-XI Irrigators Associations; followed by 1st Runner Up Princess, LARISSA ESCALONA of Davao del Sur IMO; 2nd Runner Up Princess TRINITA V. CAÑETE of Compostela Valley and 3rd Runner Up Princess EVA BERNADAS of Davao Norte IMO.

Launching of NIA XI - IA DAY celebration, Cutting of Ribbons led by RIM Membreve assisted by (from L-R) Dvo Norte IMO Mgr. Cornelio M. Bautista,Jr.; Div. Mgr. Encarnacion S. Soriano, Div. Mgr. Caridad K. Sison; (at back) Dvo Sur IMO Mgr. Manuel L. Rañeses and ComVal IMO Mgr. Carlito A. Carrasco on location at NIA Road, Bolton Extn., Davao City on June 4, 2013.

Page 5 STREAM April - July 2013

Sto. Niño, Carmen, Davao del Norte – May 2-3, 2013. The first NIA-IA Day is being conducted in the National Irriga-tion Administration (NIA) nationwide, in line with its 50 years anniversary cele-bration by June 22, 2013. The Davao del Norte IMO headed by Division Manager Cornelio M. Bautista, Jr. was the first to conduct said activity, followed by the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur

and the regional office. The first day was graced by an opening program with the presenc e of the Governor of the Province of Davao del Norte, Gov-ernor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, Congressman of the 1st district of the Province of Davao del Norte, Congressman Anthony F. del Rosario, Director Remelyn R. Recoter, CESO IV, Regional Executive Director of DA-RFU, Regional Irrigation Manager Modesto G. Membreve, CESO together with his staff Engr. Encarnacion S. Soriano, Manager of Equipment and Opera-tions Division with all the NIA per-sonnel and IAs of the national and communal irrigation systems of DN IMO. This was followed by the cut-ting of the ribbon to open the pres-entation and participation of booths of the different IAs. The re-enactment award of 2012 Agr-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awardees for Da-vao del Norte was all highlighted to inspire IAs that they also can achieve. The awardees are BASIA (NIS) of B. E. Dujali and Sto. Tomas and KSEISA (CIS) of Semong, Kapa-long. All booths were visited wherein the CIS, Libuganon Chapter, Lasang

Davao del Sur Irrigation Management Office celebrated NIA-IA DAY last May 7, 2013. This activity happened the first time, a nationwide celebra-

tion in commemoration of the golden anniversary of National Irrigation Administration (NIA). This one-day celebration started with a short program led by Engr. Manuel L. Rañeses – Acting Manager of this office, Mr. Nestor Rama - President of Davao del Sur & Davao City Federation of IAs (DSDCFIA), with guest of honor, Ms. Caridad K. Sison – Division Manager for Admin and Finance of NIA XI Regional Office who thank the IAs for par-ticipating in this first ever NIA XI- IA Day. She explained how essential were the presence of IAs as farmer-beneficiaries of NIA's effort in pursuing irrigation development and that marking its 50th anniversary, NIA shall continue to serve the IAs. IMO Manager Rañeses and Engr. Ruben Paden, IMO's Engineering Chief, rendered their messages challenging the farmers to do more for their IAs while Mr. Rama shared wisdom in the life of the farmers. Successful farmers shared strategies which have inspired the participants and increased awareness on irrigation developments. Topic on Effects of Mining was delivered by an invited speaker, Engr. Mahinay who presented comprehensively fearful consequences of mining to the environment and people in affected area. He illustrated the mining pits worsening in times of earthquake and other calamities. The cutting of ribbon ceremony to open the showcase of farmers’ products and best practices of Davao del Sur IAs and other entrepreneurs in this province was led by Division Manager Caridad K. Sison and Acting Manager Rañeses. Among the products on display were, San Agustin Ruparan BIDA (SARBIDA) - Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Award (APRAA) winner from Communal Irrigation System displayed the vermin culture products and wonder juice made of miracle fruit. Cabasagan IA showed their native products and Sibonga IA sold banana and coconut seedlings at very affordable prices. Many other IAs presented their products in the respective booths. Fun and parlor games among the IAs and the NIA staff were competing where bonding moments were shared while playing the banana eating con-test, sack race, egg catching, longest line, dance competition and many more. This memorable celebration ended with a smile to each one of us that receives the prizes and enjoy the game.

The First NIA-IA Day by: TONY M. APIAG - Engineer A, Davao del Sur IMO

DAVAO DEL NORTE IMO 1st NIA - IA DAY by: Aida Paraiso — Sr. IDO

Chapter and Kipaliku Chapter displayed various farm products of their farmer-members. The booths had shown creativity, originality and use of indigenous materials, displayed rice of different varieties, vegetables and fruits, concoctions of FFJ, FPJ, etc., vermicast and friendliness. The best booth was awarded to Kipaliku RIS Chapter with a prize of Php 8,000.00. A fellowship night among NIA and IAs broke the silence of the night with dancing and singing. Other prizes for parlor games and IA Got Talent were all paid to the winners. It can be gleaned in the faces of everyone the fulfillment of the activity with a big smile saying and hop-ing for another NIA-IA Day.

Top, Fun Games during the NIA-IA Day ; below, Group picture of NIA Staff with the IA farmers.

L-R,Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario; RED Remelyn R. Recoter; Edgar Cocoy of BASIA; RIM Modesto G. Membreve and IMO Mgr. Cornelio M. Bautista, Jr.

Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting led by Gov. del Rosario;RED Recoter; RIM Membreve and Mgr. Bautista opening the IA Day of Davao del Norte .

L-R, Booth- selling coco sugar and dips; Engr. Mahinay lecturing on effects of mining while IAs & NIA staff listened intently; Launching of IA DAY, Cutting of Ribbon rites led by FAD Div. Mgr. Caridad K. Sison and Davao Sur Davao City Fed of IAs Pres. Nestor N. Rama while farmer-irrigators and NIA staff looked on.

Page 6 STREAM April - July 2013

Cheers to NIA ONSE !NIA ONSE !

Competing teams of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region XI vied in the NIA 50th Anniversary activities at NIA central office, Quezon City on June 16-25, 2013. With RIM Modesto G. Membreve at the helm, delegation in full force of more than 123 NIA-XI staff athletes and dancers geared up their abilities and competencies for the events in sports fest, cultural, folk dance Cariñosa, Pep Squad Cheer dance, fun games and NIA pageant. Along with the IA Outstanding awardees, the teams made a supreme effort in every event and being fortitude in demonstrating fair con-duct in observance of the rules in the sports festival and other competitions, they brought home many best wins and awards. SPORTSFEST: Champion in Table Tennis; Volleyball Women - 1st Runner Up; Volleyball Men - 1st Runner Up; and Chess -1st Runner Up; FUN GAMES: Four Legged Race - Champion; Buzzer Beater Relay - 3rd Run-ner Up; Fun Run Open (Female) - 2nd Runner Up. In the Overall Sportsfest competion, NIA-XI got the 1st Runner Up standing. OUTSTANDING IA AWARDS: Upper Sinayawan Farmers IA (UPSFIA) - Most Outstanding IA NIS Category; Basak Pangutosan Carp IA - Hall of Fame Award; San Agustin Ruparan Barangay Irrigation Development Asso. (SARBIDA) - 1st Runner-up Most Outstanding IA CIS Category; Katipunan Semong ISA (KASE ISA), Special Award Outstanding IA, CIS Category; Awao Communal IA (ACIA), 2nd Runner Up Most Outstanding IA CARP-IC Category. NIA PAGEANT: Ms. Camille S. Rosales is NIA-XI’s candidate for Miss NIA Pag-eant 2013 who got the Ms. Photogenic Award while Ms. Marlene B. Torres repre-sented the NIA-XI in the NIA 50th Anniversary Muse. Cheered as “NIA Onse”, the NIA-XI group fostered unity and strengthened team-work among the members during the celebration of NIA 50th Anniversary.

Photos of NIA-XI participating in various events during the NIA 50th Anniversary Celebration at NIA Central Office, Que-zon City on June 16-25, 2013.

Page 7 STREAM April - July 2013

T R E E P L A N T I N G I N R E G I O N X I

Page 8 STREAM April - July 2013

Advocating protection of water resources and the environment, NIA-XI supports the National Greening Program and the tree plant-ing movement which the NIA central office mandated in commemoration of the agency’s 50th anniversary. A total of 13,200 seedlings of forest trees such as narra and mahogany are planted in seven (7) hectares for CY 2013 as of June 7, 2013 by NIA XI regional office and the Irrigation Management Offices (IMO) of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley planted in the district of Marilog, Davao City and in the watersheds of Miral Small Reservoir Irrigation System at Davao del Sur; Kipaliku RIS in Davao del Norte; Sumlog River in Lupon, Davao Oriental and, Batutu RIS, Compostela Valley. In conducting the tree planting activities, sectors in the com-munities concerned were mobilized to join in the undertaking as beneficiaries - the Parents, Teachers (PTA) and the grade six pupils of Ki-balang Elementary Elem School, Marilog, Davao City; the People’s organization, Upper Kibalang Agro Forest Farmers Association; NIA per-sonnel, farmers in IAs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Military planted while ensuring safety of the area.

As early as February 27, 2013, NIA XI tree planting team led by the PRO Lina M. Montilde coordinated with the City Agriculturist and CENRO for the provision of seedlings for the simultaneous National Tree Planting activ-ity on June 7, 2013. Actual inspection of the previous site was undertaken to evaluate the mortality status of seedlings planted last June 8, 2012. Since the site for this year CY 2013 tree planting will also be near the previous site, the same sectors were being coordinated for the second round of simultane-ous tree planting activity. The site was Upper Kibalang, Marilog District, Da-vao City- an area prone to landslide and suited for reforestation. Davao Light and Power Company provided the area for planting and maintenance

of seedlings planted. The UKAFFA (Upper Kibalang Agro Forestry Farmers Association), a people’s organization in the area provided additional seedlings to be planted and manpower re-sources (labor) for the prepara-tion (clearing , brushing etc.) of the planting site. The Parents Teachers Association of Kibalang Elementary School thereat, espe-cially the parents and the stu-dents assisted in the actual plant-ing of all seedlings. The Philip-

pine Army provided security of the whole area and the teachers provided the venue for the program before the actual planting. Other officers of UKAFFA were took charge of the venue and food preparation. The NIA employees spearheaded the whole activity. A short program was held prior to the actual planting activity at Marilog District. Mr. Eric Amistad, the principal of Upper Kibalang Elemen-tary School acknowledged and welcomed the offi-cers and members of all aparticipating sectors for the said activity. Messages from the host sectors were delivered expressing their full support for the National Greening Program of the government since they will be the one to benefit out of the pro-gram. NIA XI officer-incharge Manager Encarna-cion S. Soriano delivered her inspirational mes-sage stressing on the goals of the National Green-ing Program which are: poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation. She also emphasized that the national tree planting activity is one of the

by: Lina M. Montilde — Public Relations Officer, NIA-XI NIA XI Regional Office Tree planting Activity priority program initiated by former Administrator Antonio S. Nangel to

protect our watershed areas nationwide. She hoped that by next year we will again continue this noble endeavor. The short program ended with a closing message given by Engr. Ricardo D. Gomez, Jr. Immediately after the short program, all participating sectors proceeded to the planting site wherein Manager Encarnacion S. Sori-ano initiated the ceremonial tree planting for her seedling signaling the start of the simultaneous national tree planting activity. Together, all participants started planting the provided seedlings near the prepared holes of the planting site. Everybody took an active part in planting their respective seedlings and felt fulfilled being a part of the activity and had shared their efforts in attaining the objectives of the National Greening Program of the government.

NIA XI Regional Office Team during the Tree Planting activity on June 8, 2013 at Upper Kibalang , Marilog District, Davao City

Engr. Encarnacion S. Soriano, Div. Mgr. EOD, led the first planting and her inspirational talk during the NIA-XI regional office Tree Planting at Ki-balang, Marilog District, Davao City on June 7, 2013.

Left, NIA Staff and IAs of Davao del Sur IMO during the Tree Planting at Miral SRTIS, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Right, Engr. Ruben Paden, Engi-neering Chief of Davao Sur IMO planted his trees.

Tree Planting activity of Davao Oriental IMO at Sumlog Riverbank,

Lupon, Davao Oriental; Participants: a) IAs—10; b) NIA— 30 and

c) DENR - 20