Empowering IAs Through Collaboration and Innovation

Participants of the Review and Planning Workshop for Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) - April 24, 2025

By: Diana Faith F. Alcantara - Date: 

DAVAO DEL SUR—The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Davao del Sur Irrigation Management Office (IMO) successfully conducted the two-day Review and Planning Workshop (RPW) for Wet Cropping Season CY 2024 on April 10-11, 2025 at Federation Bldg., NIA Compound, Digos City. 

The event convenes participants from National Irrigation Systems (NIS) and Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) to evaluate performance of Irrigators Associations (IAs) and strategize for future cropping seasons.  

The first day focuses on IAs under the Padada River Irrigation System (RIS), Mal RIS, and Miral Small Reservoir Irrigation System (SRIS). While the second day is for the IAs from different Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) in the province of Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and 3rd District Davao City. 
IA Participants from Padada River Irrigation System (RIS)

IA Participants from Mal River Irrigation System (RIS) 

IA Participants from Miral Small Reservoir Irrigation System (SRIS) 

Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) headed by Revenue District Office 115 Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Maria Theresa G. Hernadez and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) also joined discussions on streamlining statutory compliance of IAs and the program of the province in optimizing agricultural productivity.
 
OIC- Hernandez expresses her message of support and guidance to the IAs, reinforcing collaboration between IAs and revenue agencies in meeting fiscal responsibilities.

One of the highlights of the program was the awarding of the CY 2024 Outstanding IAs based on the results of the Functionality Survey. This recognition celebrates the exceptional contributions of IAs in achieving operational efficiency, effective water management, and strong organizational governance. The awards also aim to inspire other associations to adopt best practices and continuously improve their performance. 

Upper Sinayawan Farmer Irrigators Association (UPSFIA), Inc. as one of the Outstanding IA for CY 2024 and a nominee for the National Gawad Saka Award Search for Outstanding IA-NIS Category

Engr. Dexter F. Tinapay, Division Manager of NIA Davao del Sur IMO, extended a call to action to the IAs:  “This is my challenge to the IAs: as long as we do not engage, as long as we do not unite, we will achieve nothing. So, we will work on how to advance our organization. And one way is to again ‘engage, engage, engage’—change, innovation, and collaboration. That is what is needed. I hope the spirit of collaboration and innovation will carry on as we navigate through life, especially in farming.” His remarks underscored the critical role of collective action in overcoming agricultural challenges and driving sustainable progress.

Engr. Tinapay delivers his inspirational message during the second-day of the Review and Planning Workshop. 

Overall, the RPW aims to strengthen IAs by sharing best practices and identifying and resolving challenges. This initiative reflects NIA's commitment to empowering IAs and ensuring sustainable development.