DIVISION III JOINS THE AGENCY-WIDE USHERING FOR CY 2022 DIVISION III TURNS OVER THE COMPLETED ROADWAY TO IRRIGATORS’ ASSOCIATION THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF NIA-UPRIIS DIVISION III MAHARLIKA HIGHWAY, CABANATUAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA January - June 2022 Issue 1 UPRIIS DIVISION III’S MAKABILOG MAYNABO TAMBO IA BAGS NATIONAL AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING IA (NIS CATEGORY) CY 2021 DIVISION III CONCLUDES ITS TWO-DAY SPORTS FEST DIVISION III JOINS SIMULTANEOUS TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY NIA-UPRIIS GAWAD PARANGAL
DIVISION III JOINS THE AGENCY-WIDE USHERING FOR CY 2022 On 05 January 2022, NIA-UPRIIS Division III personnel, headed by its Division Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, joins the Agency-wide Ushering Ceremony for the year 2022 with the theme “Synergy, Sustainability, Security” at the Division III Office, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. To officially commence the program, Manager Toquero together with Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, Chief of Operations, Maintenance and Institutional Development Section, and Ms. Olivia M. Coronel, Chief of Administrative and Finance Section, pulled the string to uncover the accent wall displaying the waterfall, adhering to the Year of the Water Tiger which symbolizes strength, power, inspiration, and respect. Following the display of the accent wall is the laying of stones with the names of each employee which reflects the synergy among the Agency’s human resources. Thereafter, NIA Administrator Gen Ricardo R Visaya (Ret) gave the Ushering 2022 Message preceded by the inspirational message from the UPRIIS Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito DIVISION III OFFICIALS INSPECT PROJECT CONSTRUCTION by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito NIA-UPRIIS Division III Manager, Engr Elenita L. Toquero, together with Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra and Engr. Ronald S. Vicencio conducted a field inspection at Soledad, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, 09 February 2022, for the turn-over of the pro-ject undertaken by RD Talens Construction and Trading with the description “Concreting/Improvement of Soledad-Las Piñas NIA Access Road, Sta. Rosa & Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija (Phase I)” which was implemented by the Nueva Ecija Provincial Engineering Office. DIVISION III CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito For the celebration of Valentine’s Day, NIAEASP UPRIIS Division III headed by its president, Engr. Michael Q. Mejia, prepared a small program on Monday, 14 February 2022, to give roses and chocolates to all Division III female employees. COA INSPECTORATE TEAM VALIDATES CY 2021 PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DIVISION III by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito On Wednesday, 16 February 2022, NIA-UPRIIS Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, together with Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, Operations, Maintenance, and Institutional Development Section Chief, and other key staff from the Maintenance Unit, conducted a field inspection with the inspectorate team from the Commission on Audit (COA), led by Ms. Felicidad N. Rivera and Mr. Michael Bryan I. Jordan, to verify and validate the accomplishment of all CY 2021 projects implemented by the Division III Office. Among those inspected were the following projects: Repair of Lateral E & Various Irrigation Facilities undertaken by S.G. Juatchon Jr. Construction and Supplies; Improvement of MC Extn Sta. 2+120.20 – 2+871.80 & Improvement of Canal Roadway undertaken by Zedd Construction; Repair of Main Canal Extension Sta. 0+000, Lateral A Sta. 0+000 & Lateral A-1 Extra Sta. 0+000 – 0+230 undertaken by R.D. Talens Construction and Trading; Repair of MC Extn, Lateral C, Lateral C-3 and Various Irrigation Facilities undertaken by Angel Builders and Construction Supply; Improvement of Lateral A Sta. 0+050 – 0+513.31, Lateral A-1 Extra Sta. 0+230 – 0+736 & Improvement of Canal Roadways undertaken by PMSD Construction Services; Improvement of Lateral G1, Lateral H2 and Various Irrigation Facilities undertaken by Angel Builders and Construction Supply; Construction of Solar Water Irrigation with Solar Powered System in Division III Service Area undertaken by Dawing Construction; Repair of DC-2 and Various Irrigation Facilities undertaken by Forthright Construction; and Improvement of Irrigation Canal Service Road @ DC-2 Sta. 16+310.20 – 16+988.20 undertaken by PMSD Construction Services. JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 3
UPRIIS DIVISION III CONDUCTS ITS ANNUAL REVIEW AND PLANNING WORKSHOP NIA-UPRIIS Division III, headed by its Division Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, conducted its Annual Review and Planning Workshop at NIA Pantabangan Lake Resort Hotel, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on February 23-24, 2022. This activity aims to evaluate and highlight the previous year’s (CY 2021) accomplishments, identify problems encountered and actions taken to address said problems if any, and discuss the CY 2022 targets and commitments of each unit. UPRIIS Head Office Officials, led by Department Manager, Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote, together with Engineering and Operations Division (EOD) Manager, Engr. Vivencia C. Dela Cruz; Engineering Section Chief Engr. Marvin C. Bustamante; Equipment Management Section Chief, Engr. Leife B. Villafor; Operations Section Chief, Engr. Melvin M. Santiago; Institutional Development Section Chief, Ms. Gloria Loren R. Hipolito, and Senior Engineer Irene P. Estacio also attended the activity. Present as well via Google Meet were Administrative and Finance (AdFin) Division Manager Milca B. Cayanga, Administrative Section Chief, Ms. Maria Isobel F. Padolina, and Finance Section Chief Ms. Edna V. Fermin. All participants were required to undergo testing before they were admitted inside the hall to ensure that the transmission of the COVID19 virus will be mitigated. Moreover, strict health protocols were also observed. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito ORIENTATION IN DIVISION III ENABLES NEW EMPLOYEES IN FILLING OUT SALN FORMS NIA-UPRIIS Division III Administrative and Finance Section headed by its Chief, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel, with the guidance of Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, conducted an orientation for the preparation of Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth to Job Orders and newly-promoted Daily Employees on Monday, 28 February 2022 at the Division III Conference Room. This activity is conducted in view of the requirement that all public officials and employees are required to file a SALN as stated in the Philippine Constitution and the Administrative Code. This also aims to reiterate and implement the NIA Memorandum Circular No. 15, series of 2022 which states that, “all officials and employees NIA-wide, regardless of employment status (Permanent, Casual, and Co-Terminous employees), shall submit their SALN’s for Calendar Year 2021 to HR, and for consolidation on or before April 30, 2022.” To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the activity was divided into two batches – one session during the morning attended by the office personnel, and one during the afternoon attended by field employees. by Joel P. Binuya JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 4
DIVISION III TURNS OVER THE COMPLETED ROADWAY TO IRRIGATORS’ ASSOCIATION Following its completion and as part of the Agency’s quality objective of attaining farmers’ satisfaction, a project turnover of the Construction of Roadway at Cinco-Cinco Creek was conducted by NIA-UPRIIS Division III on Thursday, 03 March 2022, at Brgy. Cinco-Cinco, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, to Hoy Gising Irrigator’s Association, led by Mr. Juanito Adriano, with 85 farmer-beneficiaries. The said construction of roadway which will serve as a farm to market road with a length of 700-meters is one of the components of the project with Contract ID No. 2021-DIIIMOOE-01; Construction of Concrete Lining @ Lateral AM5a Sta. 0+000 – Sta. 0+285.00, Road Resurfacing @ Lat. AM-5 Sta. 0+000.00 – Sta. 5+750.00 and Construction/ Improvement of Canal Roadway @ Cinco-Cinco Creek & AM5B Sta. 0+000.00 – Sta. 2+270.00 undertaken by 816 Allen Construction and Development Corporation. In his message, Mr. Adriano expressed his gratitude towards the fulfilment of their requested roadway after five years of waiting. Moreover, he is thankful for the fast project completion as well, as it will also be highly beneficial to Hoy Gising IA. The event was attended by UPRIIS Head Officials led by Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote, Engineering and Operations Division Manager Engr. Vivencia C. Dela Cruz, and Engineering Section Chief Engr. Marvin C. Bustamante. Present as well were the Division III staff led by Division Manager Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, Operations, Maintenance, and Institutional Development Section Chief Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, Maintenance Unit Head Engr. Wendell N. Rivera, Operations Unit Head Engr. Michael Q. Mejia, Hydrologist Mr. Zoilo S. Pangilinan, Jr., and Zone IIA Project-in-Charge Engr. Shery Lou M. Francisco. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito DIVISION III CONVENES WITH FARMERS As the period of project implementation is fast approaching, NIA-UPRIIS Division III led by Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, conducted a pre-construction meeting with the farmers of San Antonio, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, 23 March 2022, to discuss the details of the construction of solar-powered pump at Brgy. Panabingan which is scheduled to start on April this year. Present in the meeting were Engr. Wendell N. Rivera, Maintenance Unit Head, and Engr. Ronald S. Vicencio, Zone IIB Engineer to ensure that all questions and concerns of the farmers regarding the project will be answered and addressed. Further, Ms. Amilyn M. Martin, OIC of Institutional Development Unit also attended the meeting to explain the benefits which can be derived from the project and to reiterate the duties and responsibilities of the farmers in maintaining the irrigation facilities and structures. This pre-construction meeting is in line with the Agency’s quality objectives of Increasing Irrigated Areas Contributing to Agricultural Productivity; Attain Satisfaction of Farmers; and Improve Planning, Design and Implementation of Irrigation and Multi-purpose Projects to be Climate Change Adaptive. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 5
DIVISION III CONDUCTS PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING WITH CONTRACTORS As NIA-UPRIIS Division III remains committed in achieving the Agency’s quality objective of improving the Planning, Design and Implementation of Irrigation and Multi-purpose Projects to be Climate Change Adaptive, a pre-construction meeting with the contractors was conducted by Division III on Friday, 25 March 2022, at NIA-UPRIIS Division III Conference Room. With the Maintenance Unit Head Engr. Wendell N. Rivera, presiding, the meeting aims to discuss in detail the following: projects per zone; construction procedure and material testing; NIA Memorandum Circular No. 40 series of 2017 or the Administrative Actions on Contracts with Negative Slippages; NIA Memorandum Circular No. 32 series of 2014 or the non-participation in the procurement of civil works of contractors with at least 15% negative slippage on their on-going contract works; and other matters related to project implementation. To show their full support and guidance, the meeting was attended by UPRIIS Head Office staff led by their Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote, Engineering Section Chief Engr. Marvin C. Bustamante, Supervising Engineer, Engr. Geraldine G. Dario, and Division III Area Monitor Engr. Darren Joshua L. Guevarra. Present as well were the Division III staff led by Division Manager Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, Operations, Maintenance, and Institutional Development Section Chief Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, and Project-in-Charge for Zone I, Zone IIA, and Zone IIB, Engr. Darwin C. Mariano, Engr. Shery Lou M. Francisco, and Engr. Ronald S. Vicencio. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito MAKABILOG MAYNABO TAMBO IRRIGATORS’ ASSOCIATION UNDERGOES INITIAL VALIDATION Division III Irrigator’s Association (IA), Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA, underwent a validation which aims to carefully assess the Most Outstanding Irrigator’s Association (IA) for the National Category on Saturday, 05 March 2022 at Brgy. Las Piñas, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. This validation, conducted by NIA Central Office – Institutional Development Division, also aims to showcase the significant developments made by the IA and to present other areas for improvement. The validation process includes three categories: (1) the Operations and Maintenance category which involves the interview and validating process will be conducted by the Team Leader Ms. Heartie E. Navarro, (2) the financial category which will be validated by Ms. Marife Peralta, and (3) other related matters which will be validated by Ms. Melyn Jover & Ms. Maricel Del Rosario. Before the validation proper, Mr. Rolando Maniquiz, Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA President, noted that this will be their second time to compete for the Most Outstanding IA under National Category as UPRIIS representative, and also shared that he and the other members of the IA are hopeful to bag the price this year. This validation is in line with the quality objective of the Agency of providing adequate level of irrigation service on a sustainable basis in partnership with the farmers and local government units and to improve and sustain the operation of NIA as a viable corporation and service-oriented agency. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito and Bahja Colleen R. Hipolito JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 6
DIBISYON III, NAKIISA SA PAGDIRIWANG NG NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH Nakiisa ang UPRIIS Division III sa pagdiriwang ng National Women’s Month na ginaganap tuwing buwan ng Marso. Ang selebrasyon na ito ay may temang, “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women” at pang-tema na, “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” Naghanda ang Division III ng mga aktibidad upang maipahiwatig ang importansya at makapagbigay-kaalaman sa nabanggit na nasyonal na pagdiriwang. Tuwing Lunes ng buwan ay nagpapalabas ng isang bidyo ng ating Pambansang Awit na ang taga-ganap ay purong kababaihan na sinasabayan ng kanta ng mga empleyado. Tuwing Martes naman ay hinihikayat ang lahat na magsuot ng kulay purple na damit na siyang sumisimbolo sa pagpapatatag ng karapatang pangkababaihan. Tuwing Biyernes nama’y pinapatugtog sa bukana at loob at opisina, kasabay ng pagpapalabas ng mga larawan ng kababaihan ng Division III, ang mga musika na likha ng kababaihan na siyang ginamit noong MusikJuana Songwriting Contest 2021. Kaugnay ng pagdiriwang na ito, nitong ika-22 ng Marso ay nagkaroon ng zumba sa ganap na 8:30 ng umaga na sinundan ng pagtatanim ng gulay sa likuran ng opisina ng Division III upang maipakita ang pakikiisa ng mga kababaihan sa pagbibigay-halaga sa ating pisikal na kalusugan at pagpapanatali o pag-aalaga sa ating kapaligiran. Pagkatapos ay inanyayahan ang dalawang tatanggap ng tulong pinansyal na si Pangulong Teresa na miyembro ng Siglakas Irrigator’s Association (IA) at Gng. Elsa na mula sa Barangay ACCFA. Iniabot ang nasabing tulong na pinangunahan ng Division III Manager Engr. Elenita L. Toquero at Section Chief ng Administrative and Finance, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel. Nagtayo din ng photobooth na ang malilikom ay siyang idadagdag sa ibibigay na tulong pinansyal. Binigyang oportunidad rin ang mga kababaihang empleyado na may sariling hanapbuhay na mailako ang kanilang mga produkto sa Women’s Trade Fair. Ang pinakahuling aktibidad na dinaluhan ng mga kababaihan ay ang film viewing. Tinapos ang buong programa sa isang closing remarks na inihatid ng Maintenance Unit Head na si Engr. Wendell N. Rivera. Tinuran niya na sana ay mapagtibay pa ang pagkakaibigan at pagkakaisa hindi lamang ng mga kababaihan, ngunit ng buong NIA-UPRIIS Division III. by Joel P. Binuya JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 7
VALIDATION OF MAKABILOG MAYNABO TAMBO IA FOR MOST OUTSTANDING IA (NIS CATEGORY) CY 2021 After being shortlisted as one of the Top 7 Irrigators’ Association (IA) nominees for the National Irrigation System (NIS) Category, Division III IA Makabilog Maynabo Tambo underwent field validation on 11 April 2022 conducted by the NIA Central Office – Institutional Development Division led by Team Leader Ms. Heartie E. Navarro for the Search for the CY 2021 National Level Outstanding IA. The field validation consists of a one-on-one interview between the Board of Trustees of Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA and the NIA Central Office Validation Team for four (4) respective categories – (1) Operations & Maintenance, (2) Financial, (3) Organizational and Organizational Discipline, and (4) Other Assistance and Support Programs. The validation team was accompanied to show the IA’s assets, properties, other sustainable livelihood programs like Gulayamanan, Red Tilapia Farming, and native chicken & other poultry animals. On the opening program Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, Division III Manager expressed her desire and hope that Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA to be qualified in the Top 5 and always aimed to be the Top 1. UPRIIS Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA for their initiative and profound accomplishment to be chosen as UPRIIS Most Outstanding IA and noted that their IA was also one of the awardees last 2018 Rice Achievers Award. She also commended the leadership and performance of President Rolando Maniquis Jr. as her fellow farmer-member and their collaboration to other attached agencies, such as DA-Provincial Agriculture Office, PhilRice, PhilMech, DAR, Landbank, PCIC and LGUs, and their implementation of other livelihood projects such as Gulayamanan, and credit financial assistance program, and being one of the EPAHP partners is just one of the interventions undertaken by their organization. With the continuous support from Institutional Development Section Chief Gloria Loren Hipolito and IDU Staff, UPRIIS IAs succeed to have IA nominations and bagged major awards. Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, and the Officer-in-Charge for the Institutional Development Unit, Ms. Amilyn M. Martin, are also present during the validation to guide and support Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA. Division III DFIA Officers Mr. Victor A. Hernandez, Mr. Eusebio Armobit, and Mr. Roberto Adriosula also witnessed the proceedings to inspire and encourage their fellow IA presidents. To show their full support, Peñaranda Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) Mr. Petronilo Padilla and Finance Section Chief Ms. Edna V. Fermin, and other related government agencies key staff attended the whole proceedings. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito and Bahja Colleen R. Hipolito JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 8
DIVISION III PETTY CASH OFFICERS UNDERGO SEASONAL IN-HOUSE AUDIT As part of UPRIIS Division III’s duty in the attainment of the Agency’s quality objective of improving budget utilization and revenue generation from non-irrigation sources, Division III Petty Cash Officers and Bill Collectors underwent internal audit on 31 March 2022 conducted by Ms. Jennifer B. Morley, and Ms. Jennelyn S. De Guzman. This audit covers the period of January to March 2022. The first one to undergo the audit was the Special Disbursing Officer, Ms. Shiela Marie E. Cabral, with a total collection of PhP525,982.84. Ms. Morley also audited Petty Cash Officer from the Administrative and Finance Section, Ms. Jennelyn S. De Guzman, with a remaining balance of PhP23,204.75 out of the PhP40,000 continuous petty cash fund, and Petty Cash Officer from the Maintenance Unit, Engr. Wendell N. Rivera, with only remaining balance of PhP133.00 out of the PhP20,000.00 continuous petty cash fund. All collections made through the effort of the Bill Collectors were remitted and forwarded to the Cashiering Unit. The said activity was made possible through the guidance of the UPRIIS Department Manager, Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote, Administrative and Finance Division Manager Ms. Milca B. Cayanga, Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, Administrative and Finance Section Chief, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel, and Operations, Maintenance, Institutional Development Section Chief, Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra. by Joel P. Binuya DIVISION III CARRIES OUT FIRST QUARTERLY MASS WORK Spearheaded by Administrative and Finance Section Chief, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel and Operations, Maintenance, Institutional Development Section Chief, Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, and with the support and guidance of UPRIIS Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote, and Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, NIA-UPRIIS Division III conducts its first quarterly mass work on 01 April 2022 which aims to maintain a clean environment, show and influence our future generation to be involved in such, and help in preserving a healthy workplace. Leading and encouraging the members of their respective units, present were the following: Ms. Mylene C. Candelaria (Personnel), Ms. Melanie Grace V. Mallare (Property & Procurement), Ms. Jennelyn S. De Guzman (Billing), Ms. Jennifer B. Morley (Accounting), Ms. Shiela Marie E. Cabral (Cashiering), Mr. Genaro D. Verdadero (General Services & Security Force), Engr. Michael Q. Mejia (Operations), Engr. Wendell N. Rivera (Maintenance), and Ms. Amilyn M. Martin (Institutional Development). Employees were given their designated area to clean and to be maintained. Administrative and Finance Section staff were assigned to clean the back of the building, while the Operations, Maintenance and Institutional Development Section personnel were tasked to clean the façade of the building. by Joel P. Binuya SAN JUAN IRRIGATORS’ ASSOCIATION UNDERGOES MFD CAPABILITY TESTING With the support provided by NIA-UPRIIS Division III through its intervention programs such as but not limited to the information dissemination regarding the projects of other related government agencies for the Filipino farmers, and the preparation of necessary documents for the availment of farm machineries, several Irrigators’ Associations have benefitted from free farm machinery and equipment made possible by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program – one of which is San Juan Irrigators’ Association (IA) under the leadership of its President, Mr. Eusebio Armobit in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, which received a Mobile Flash Dryer last March 2022. On Tuesday, 12 April 2022, the new Mobile Flash Dryer (MFD) of San Juan IA underwent a capability testing conducted by several representatives from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB). Results of the testing showed that every four (4) hours, the MFD can dry up to 110 cavans of rice with a moisture content of 14, and can also consume up to 120 liters of diesel in a four-hour operation. This MFD is greatly beneficial to farmers most especially during the rainy season. Attending this capability testing organized by DA-PhilMech is part of the measures undertaken by the Agency in attaining farmers’ satisfaction through partnership with the farmers and other related government agencies. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito DIVISION III ORGANIZES SECOND QUARTERLY MASS WORK NIA-UPRIIS Division III, headed by Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, alongside the Administrative and Finance Section Chief, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel, and Operations, Maintenance and Institutional Development Section Chief, Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, and their respective unit heads, conducted its second quarterly mass work on Thursday, June 21, 2022, around the surroundings of Division III Office for the continuous compliance to ISO requirements to achieve quality workplace and meet its standards. The said activity was also joined by the On-The-Job trainees. by Joel P. Binuya JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 9
UPRIIS DIVISION III IRRIGATES 34K-HECTARE FARMLAND FOR DRY CROP, STARTS WITH PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito As irrigation water delivery for Dry Crop 2022 has been officially cut-off on 26 April 2022, NIA-UPRIIS Division III commenced with the project implementation for CY 2022. For Dry Crop 2022, a total of 34,316.56 hectares have been effectively irrigated or 99.07% of its 34,637.06 hectares FirmedUp Service Area (FUSA). This cropping season, 23,406 farmers were benefitted. Moreover, for the diversified crops and third crop, a total of 1,129.12 hectares and 50.00 hectares have been irrigated as of 04 May 2022. Therefore, cropping intensity, including the third crop and diversified crop, is 102.48%. CY 2022 projects consists of several maintenance works such as construction of concrete lining, construction of concrete pavement, and construction of canal structures. Moreover, construction of solar-powered irrigation system is also implemented in line with one of the four-point agenda of NIA Administrator Ricardo R Visaya to institute measures to improve delivery of services, such as but not limited to modernization of equipment for operations and project implementation, to ensure the provision of efficient, reliable and sustainable irrigation service to the Filipino farmers as mandate of the Agency. All projects are targeted to be completed on or before the scheduled water delivery resumption on 16 June 2022, and 01 July 2022 for Zone II and Zone I respectively. All accomplishments were made possible through the advice and guidance of Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, and UPRIIS Department Manager, Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote. Division III remains steadfast in the attainment of the Agency’s quality objectives of increasing irrigated areas contributing to agricultural productivity, attainment of farmers’ satisfaction, and improve planning, design and implementation of irrigation and multi-purpose projects to be climate change adaptive. DIVISION III IDU STAFF CONDUCTS LIVE OUT TRAININGS FOR IA OFFICERS AND MEMBERS AROUND DIVISION III SERVICE AREA by Bahja Colleen R. Hipolito Aimed towards the enhancement of knowledge and skills of the IA officers and members, and the improvement of the IA as an organization, Division III Institutional Development Unit Staff conducted several live-out trainings which started on May 11, 2022 within its service area. This program also enables the IDU Staff to utilize and improve their public speaking skills and share their knowledge regarding the topics to be discussed. To prepare for this program, IDU staff distributed topics to be discussed which comprise the following: (1) Modified IMT Contract, (2) Financial Management, (3) RA 10969, also known as Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA)and (4) Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Records. Each Irrigators Development Officer coordinated with their respective IA Presidents regarding the schedule and venue of the trainings to be conducted. They also provided modules and reading materials for all the participants which include the respective IA Board of Trustees (BOT) and other IA members. This training, which is still an ongoing program, was made possible through the initiative of Institutional Development Unit Officer in Charge, Ms. Amilyn M. Martin and IDU Staff, with the support of Operations, Maintenance, and Institutional Development Section Chief, Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, and UPRIIS Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote. JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 10
NIA-UPRIIS DIVISION III IDU PERSONNEL CONDUCTS A TWOBATCH SPIRITUAL DEEPENING: AN ONLINE RECOLLECTION by Bahja Colleen R. Hipolito Aimed to further improve the employees’ intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships in an office setting, a twoday Spiritual Deepening: An Online Recollection was organized by the Institutional Development Unit Staff on April 28 & 29, 2022 through an online platform, Google Meet, with Brother Polycarp Ma. of the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross of Marikina City as the guest speaker. A link was given to the participants that will allow them to join the online recollection via Google Meet. During the session, Brother Polycarp was able to tell short stories wherein participants can relate to and were also asked to imagine themselves in the shoes of the characters in the stories. Through this interactive approach, participants were given the opportunity to reflect on their actions and mindset on certain situations. Various reflective questions were also left to the employees for them to reflect on. This exercise allowed them to go deeper into their senses to find and meet the better version of themselves. To end the online recollection, Brother Polycarp left the participants a short message, “The more we practice performing good acts, the easier we will find them to do next time. In this way, we will identify ourselves more and more with our God.” The said activity designed to provide spiritual reflection, foster harmonious relationship in the workplace and recenter the employees’ mindset on their purpose and goal in the agency was considered to be a success with the coordination of Division III IDU Staff, under the leadership of its Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Amilyn M. Martin, and UPRIIS Institutional Development Section Chief, Ms. Gloria Loren R. Hipolito, and with the support of Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero and UPRIIS Department Manager, Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote. DIVISION III INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT CONDUCTS THEIR FIRST FACE TO FACE NIA-IA O&M CONFERENCE by Bahja Colleen R. Hipolito The UPRIIS Division III conducted its first face-to-face NIA-IA Conference on June 10, 2022 at Hotel Consuelo, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. This conference aims to establish and improve a good and healthy professional relationship between NIA and its stakeholders. For the opening program, Operations, Maintenance and Institutional Development Section (OMIDS) Chief, Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra gave his opening remarks, followed by the inspirational messages from Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, and UPRIIS Engineering and Operations Division (EOD) Manager, Engr. Vivencia C. Dela Cruz. During the program proper, Maintenance Unit Head, Engr. Wendell N. Rivera, started with the discussion of the report and updates regarding his unit – project implementation and equipment utilization. Following Engr. Rivera is the Operations Unit Head, Engr. Michael Q. Mejia, and Hydrologist, Mr. Zoilo S. Pangilinan, Jr. who presented the Cropping Calendar for Wet Crop 2022. Thereafter, Institutional Development Unit Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Amilyn M. Martin gave details regarding their report and updates for Institutional Development Unit. For the Irrigators Association’s part, Division III FIA President, Mr. Victor Hernandez delivered the FIA Status Report. Shortly after the presentation of Accomplishment Reports and Updates, an open forum was conducted to give the guests and other attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share a few words. Then, Mr. Lord Tristan S. Bernabe, Senior IDO of Institutional Development Unit, delivered a short message to formally close the program. Among the guests were the following: Municipal Agriculturists of Nueva Ecija, LGU Cabanatuan, Engr. Joseph M. Apan, Department of Agriculture representatives – Mr. Carlo Paulo M. Paras (DA, Peñaranda), Ms. Lourdes R. Lajum and Mr. John Philip R. Naubago (DA, Sta. Rosa), and Mr. Erickson T. Bao and Mr. Kristian Paul Ucol (DA, Zaragoza) - NFA Assistant Manager, Ms. Evelyn Sunglao and representative, Ms. Nataly Joy C. Venturina, as representative of PCIC, Ms. Lolita Tirol and Account Officer of Land Bank Cabanatuan City, Mr. Pamfilo Belza. JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 11
UPRIIS DIVISION III’S MAKABILOG MAYNABO TAMBO IA BAGS NATIONAL AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING IA (NIS CATEGORY) CY 2021 UPRIIS Division III’s Makabilog Maynabo Tambo Irrigators Association under the leadership of Mr. Rolando R. Maniquis, Jr. ceremonially received the National Award for Most Outstanding IA (NIS Category) for CY 2021 and the grant of 1.3 Million Worth of Greenhouse Project for IA Model Farm last June 22, 2022 at EDSA Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila given by the National Irrigation Administration. The said award recognizes the accomplishments and achievements of the Irrigators Association (IA) in terms of their performance in (1) Operation & Maintenance, (2) Financial, (3) Organization and Organizational Discipline, (4) Assistance Program, (5) Agricultural Support Services and (6) linkages with other agencies. Every year, NIA evaluates and chooses an Irrigators Association qualified for the award through the validation proceedings conducted by the Central Office Validation Team headed by Ms. Heartie E. Navarro. Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA underwent two validation processes – (1) the virtual validation where the Validation Team will choose among the candidates nationwide the Top 7 Nominees for the award, and (2) Field or Actual Validation, where the Validation Team will choose the Top 5 Nominees for the award. During the virtual validation, Makabilog Maynabo Tambo was interviewed thru an online platform, Google Meet, on March 5, 2022 with the assistance of both the UPRIIS and Division III Institutional Development Staff. After surpassing the virtual validation, Makabilog Maynabo Tambo underwent the process of field validation on April 11, 2022 wherein the Validation Team visited the IA for the final selection of winners and validated the supporting records and documents of the IA. During the actual validation, President Maniquis was able to showcase their machineries acquired from PhilMech, IA Office, and other income generating projects like fish pond, poultry, and gulayan. This was followed by a face-to-face interview between the IA’s Board of Trustees and Validation Team. Through the unceasing support and guidance of UPRIIS Department Manager, Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote; UPRIIS Engineering and Operations Division Manager, Engr. Vivencia C. Dela Cruz; UPRIIS IDS Chief, Ms. Gloria Loren R. Hipolito; Division III Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero; and Operations, Maintenance and Institutional Development Section Chief, Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, confronting the difficulties of joining this event was made simple for Makabilog Maynabo Tambo IA. With the persistent action of pious, diligent and honest leadership through the harmonious relationship of the IA and NIA, the provision of adequate level of quality irrigation service was sustainably provided. This award only serves as proof that NIA is truly a viable corporation and service-oriented agency. by Bahja Colleen R. Hipolito JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 12
DIVISION III CONCLUDES ITS TWO-DAY SPORTS FEST With the aim to improve and intensify camaraderie amongst the employees, both from office and field, as well as to strengthen their physical and mental well-being, NIA-UPRIIS Division III, with the initiative of its employees’ association (NIA-EASP) officers, conducted a two-day sports festival with a theme “SabaySabay Tayong Aangat sa Malusog na Bukas” on May 05-06, 2022 at Villa Benita Subdivision Gym, Brgy. H. Concepcion Sr., Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The program was opened with a ceremonial torch lighting led by Maintenance Unit Head Engr. Wendell N. Rivera, followed by welcome remarks from the Administrative and Finance Section Chief, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel. In her inspirational message, Division III Manager Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, wished everyone good luck and hoped for an enjoyable sports festival; she also applauded Engr. Michael Q. Mejia, Division III NIA-EASP President, for commencing a sports activity for the Division III employees. Engineering and Operations Division Manager, Engr. Vivencia C. Dela Cruz, in another inspirational message, commended the inspiring leadership of Engr. Toquero, and noted that with the latter’s example, Division III employees need not be given instruction for them to initiate such an activity. Thereafter, Operations, Maintenance and Institutional Development Section Chief Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra led the deliverance of the athletes’ oath of sportsmanship. For basketball men, the team representing the office emerged as the Champion, and Zone IIB as the 1st runner-up. For volleyball men, office team succeeded against the field team. For volleyball women, OMIDS team prevailed against the ADFIN team. For the muse, Ms. Jem Allinore S. Atraje won as the Division III Bb. Palaro 2022. In his closing remarks, Engr. Ibarra acknowledged everyone’s participation and recognized all players for their display of sportsmanship. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 13
DIVISION III JOINS SIMULTANEOUS TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY On Wednesday, 29 June 2022, Division III under the leadership of its Division Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, joined NIA’s simultaneous tree planting activity as part of the celebration of the agency’s 59th founding anniversary with the theme “Trees. Water. Life. 2022”. The group, together with participants from Division I, Division V, and Interim Division VI under the stewardship of Engr. Felix L. Teaño, Jr., Engr. Rogelio C. Macatula, and Engr. Jose Ariel G. Domingo respectively, was able to plant 200 guyabano, 200 sampaloc, 200 duhat, and 100 cashew seedlings covering a total land area of 0.63 hectares of the Macanae Dam watershed area located in Lupao, Nueva Ecija. The Macanae Dam watershed is currently being maintained by NIA-UPRIIS Division I with office address at Malayantoc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija. by Rosemund Edrielynne M. Agapito DIVISION III CONDUCTS ITS TEAM BUILDING AFTER A TWO-YEAR BREAK DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC by Joel P. Binuya With the aim to enhance working relations among employees and improve their sense of leadership, Division III found an opportunity to finally conduct its three-day Team Building with the theme “Unleash Leadership by Building Camaraderie and Exerting Team Effort” at Caliraya Resort Club Inc., Brgy. Lawin, Lumban, Laguna on June 03-05, 2022 after a two-year break due to COVID-19 pandemic. The first day was allotted for a short program and orientation. The Division Manager, Engr. Elenita L. Toquero, delivered her opening remarks by sending good luck to all the participants and urging the employees to enjoy the activities set for them. Thereafter, the Administrative and Finance Section Chief, Ms. Olivia M. Coronel, conducted a brief orientation and expectations for the said activity. The second day was set for games and exercises. The participants were divided into four (4) groups composed of fifteen (15) members each with their assigned group color. Engr. Toquero, Ms. Coronel and Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, the Operations, Maintenance, Institutional Development Section Chief, were the assigned marshalls, with the games being facilitated by the in-house facilitator of Caliraya, Mr. Richard Yu. The activity was composed of four (4) challenging games: (1) “Mine Field” wherein members of each team must cross the path without their feet touching the mines while blindfolded; (2) “Earth Ball Challenge” which is a similar game to volleyball but with an eight-feet ball; (3) “Canoe Relay” where each team will ride a canoe from the starting point and must return within the shortest time, and (4) “Slip and Slide” where each members were required to hold a plastic cup filled with water while sliding down the Mud Slide and the most number of water in terms of volume wins. Announcement of winners occurred on the second day after the activities, with Yellow Team bagging the 3rd Place, followed by the Red Team, 2nd Place, Blue Team, 1st Place and the Orange Team as the Over-All Champion. Special awards were also given to the following Best Players from each team who also received cash prizes: Engr. Jomar S. Suba – Orange Team; Engr. Darwin C. Mariano – Blue Team; Engr. Ronald S. Vicencio – Yellow Team, and Mr. Zoilo S. Pangilinan Jr. – Red Team. Afterwards, the participants were given an ample time to freshen up and be prepared for the socials. During the socials, Engr. Ibarra, ended the second day with his closing remarks by expressing his gratitude to everyone who participated and commended each team’s collaboration and effort. “Communication is vital in a team and very essential to succeed in all aspects,” he concluded. The last day was reserved for relaxation and was a free time for all the participants to try all other recreational activities offered by the resort club. JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 14
TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (TEP) WITH UPRIIS DEPARTMENT MANAGER ROSALINDA B. BOTE AND OTHER STAFF Other Activities BLESSING OF DIVISION III MOTORPOOL ON APRIL 19, 2022 DURING THE CELEBRATION OF ENGR. ROSALINDA BOTE’S BIRTHDAY NIA-UPRIIS SPORTS FEST AND FAMILY DAY HELD AT NEUST GYMNASIUM ON JUNE 01 & 14, 2022 NIA-UPRIIS GAWAD PARANGAL HELD AT LUZVIMINDA’S EVENTS CENTER ON JUNE 30, 2022 DIVISION III TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY HELD ON JUNE 03-05, 2022 FIRE PREVENTION, EARTHQUAKE DRILL AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING (EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR) CONDUCTED BY CABANATUAN CDRRMO ATTENDED BY UPRIIS AND DIVISION III STAFF ON APRIL 08, 2022 INAUGURATION OF THE SOLAR-POWERED PUMP LOCATED AT BRGY. PAMACPACAN HELD ON MARCH 18, 2022 JANUARY - JUNE 2022 | PAAGOS 15
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