INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

JULY-SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE

WHAT does it take to pursue service excellence?

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SYMPOSIUM ON FOI AND 8888 COMPLAINT HOTLINE

WHO

WHY is G-BEST important in the bureaucracy?

The Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Dagupan has sought the opin ions of f lood and i r r igat ion exper ts on how to poss ib ly mi t igate massive f looding dur ing i ts commit tee hear ing on August 29, 2018 . NIA representat ives Engr. Renato P. Mi l lan and SWRFT Benjamin Parayno were speci f ica l ly requested to shed l ight on the use of f lap gates as one of the a l ternat ive f lood contro l inst ruments to be adopted by the c i ty government .

Engr. Cipriano Y. Yabut (right) and his staff discussed the status of irrigation development in Agno-Sinocalan-Dumoloc RIS. The one-hour radio interview at DZRD Sonshine Radio in Dagupan City provides an avenue for the local farm folks and netizens to know more about on-going programs, projects and activities in NIA Pangasinan during the rainy season.

53-year old Rosie D. Gajo (2nd from right), a mother of 5 was awarded the RIM’s “Dakilang Manggagawa” special award, a recognition accorded to deserving NIA RO1 employees under the administration of Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo for exemplary performance beyond the call of duty.

A capability and skills training program for security personnel was launched at NIA Regional Office 1 in Urdaneta City.The unprecedented personnel management program includes lecture and practicum on self-defense and gun handling is part of the agency’s stepped up campaign to proactively address various security threats in the workplace. ,

SANGGUNIAN TAPS NIA ON FLOOD CONTROL

KAPIHAN at BALITAAN sa DZRD DAGUPAN NIA RO1 HONORS “ANG DAKILANG MANGGAGAWA”

SECURITY GUARD TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

Ecclesiastes 5:1

“Food for the Spirit”

NIA RO1 sponsored the symposium on the Freedom of Information (FOI) and 8888 Complaint Hotline which was participated in by NIA frontline personnel and stakeholders fom various line agencies of the government. The Philippine Information Agency lectured on the FOI while PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez tackled the salient features of the 8888 Complaint Hotline.

NIA TRAINS SECURITY GUARDS

3RD SEMESTER MILESTONES(JULY-SEPTEMBER 2018)

A 3-day seminar and workshop designed to facilitate an integrated watershed management plan for Bayaoas and Dumuloc Small River Irrigation Projects (SRIP) was conducted at the NIA RO1. The management activity was organized in an effort to formulate practical solutions for the agency to fully comply with the basic environmental laws and other requirements governing watershed management.

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-Buddha benefited from PIMO’s mushroom growing project?

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”

The NIA RO1 Security Guard Training and Education Program (SGTEP) was launched on August 30, 2018 at NIA Regional Office 1 in Urdaneta City to enhance security guard capabilities in addition to raising the professional competence of employees at all levels.

VRV CREATES NIA FIRE BRIGADEThe National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional Office 1 under the dynamic leadership of its Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo commissioned sixteen strong-willed employees for a 5-day training at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Urdaneta Office last September 3 to September 7, 2018. The management initiative is part of the agency’s celebration of this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month in partnership with the BFP to train office personnel to help suppress fire and other related incidents. Accordingly, Republic Act 9514, also known as Fire Code of the Philippines, enjoins all business establishments employing at least fifty (50) persons to organize fire brigade to deal with related emergencies in addition to the requirements set forth under the Act for the grant of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC). The

Urdaneta City

NIA Consultant for Security Matters PSSupt. Loreto Espinelli (Ret) was tapped as the overall trainer-mentor of 41 NIA employees from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan provincial offices to supervise the two-day capability training for security personnel. In part, the objective of SGTEP is to instill a sense of pride that encourages peak performance in scope of work, time, and cost efficiency. The special program translates real value for the client-farmers, while simultaneously allowing NIAns to concentrate on their core business objectives being professional workers. The unprecedented personnel management activity which includes lecture and practicum on self-defense and gun handling is part

Participants of the Security Guard Training and Education Program (SGTEP) with NIA RO1 Regional Direc-tor Vicente R. Vicmudo (middle) who is flanked by AFD Manager Vanessa C. Moulic (2nd from right) and Personnel Section Chief Susana M. Catubig. Also, in the picture are martial arts experts who handled the special training on self defense.

UPBEAT the NIA RO1 Fire Brigade headed by Engr. Placido B. Duldulao during their practicum at the NIA Regional Office in Bayaoas, Urdaneta City.

by: Marlouie Batalla

THE BENEFITS OF M U S H R O O M

GROWINGPIMO conducts Livelihood Training on Mushroom Cultivation for the United Farmers of Sinocalan Federation of Irrigators Association, Inc. and staff of Sinocalan River Irrigation System (RIS).

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INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

NIA RO1 HOSTS 2018 MID-YEAR NRPW FOR IDP

The Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) under the auspices of NIA RO1, hosted the national review and planning workshop (NRPW) at the Cabaleyan Cove Resort in Barangay Magtaking, in San Carlos City. Topics during the 5-day management activity include the initial ratification of the IRR for RA 10969 known as Free Irrigation Service Act of 2018 and deliberations on the newly revised Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS).

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Random Impressions...

In many developing countries like the Philippines, women are viewed as second-class citizens. Even though women often have a heavier workload as caretakers of the house, they have a little influence or authority in their communities. This unbalanced societal power often leads to fewer opportunities for women in education and job, and can lead to domestic abuse.

By: Grace Lina T. Langit

NIA REGION 1 CONDUCTS G-BEST

The first batch G-best graduates celebrate their fellowship night during the culmination of the pro-gram attended by Engineering and Operations Division Manager Frida L. Nidoy (middle). Photo was taken at the NIA Regional Training Center in Urdaneta City.A two-day live-in seminar was conducted by the NIA Regional Office No. 1 on Gender-Based Effectiveness Skills Training (G-BEST) last July 3-4, 2018 and July 5-6, 2018 at NIA RTC, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City. The seminar came in two (2) batches and was participated by the Regional employees and staff. Dr. Leo R. Gallego, Acting IDD Manager of NIA Central Office, was tapped as Resource Speaker during the G-BEST which was designed to open up communications between the sexes and to bring mutual understanding and respect for each other’s roles. The program started with the presentation of various gender issues within the current social and cultural context to create awareness. The succeeding sessions facilitated discussions that highlight positive practices between men and women, and expose areas that need improved understanding. Staring in four groups and later

came together in one discussion, participants were urged to discuss the various roles, expectations, and the importance of both genders. They also had the chance to share experiences of when they have felt empowered or dis-empowered, and how those experiences relate to their own personal role within their household and profession. Finally, brainstorming sessions were led to consider what changes could be made to foster an environment of respect, dignity, and understanding for both genders.Among the topics discussed during the technical sessions were 1) Evolution of Gender Paradigms and Perspective, 2) Shaping of Perfections, 3) Characteristics of Culture, 4) Historical Overview of Male-Female Relationships (Images and Insights), 5) Sex and Gender, 6) Brain Wiring, 7) Breaking the Barriers of Gender Resistance, 8) Rewriting Gender Roles and Scripts and 9) Internalizing Gender Issues. ♦

ReflectionsObstacles to Living the Christian Life(Adopted from the Testimony of

Melissa Rutherford)

Obstacles are things that all of us face everyday when deciding how to react to the guy who has just cut you off, when knowing a good friend has just betrayed you, in learning how to say no to that next drink you really don’t need, and learning how to just be good to yourself. You can pretty much find an obstacle popping up around every corner. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word obstacle as something that impedes progress or achievement.Obstacles can be big or small. Anything that draws you away from the love of God and/or fulfilling his vision is an obstacle. Recognizing these obstacles is the first step. You must look to your faith to guide you in overcoming these obstacles. In Proverbs Chapter 3 Verses 5-6 it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. “Sometimes obstacles are things you wouldn’t even think about as an obstacle, things that you think you have not control over like me for example. I suffer from depression, you may think, that’s not an obstacle that’s a medical condition. But, how you handle and deal with things like this make these the toughest obstacles to overcome.Faith is the largest key to overcoming obstacles. Faith can get you through anything. You must know always that He is with you in the best and worst of times. At 16 years old sitting alone in a hospital emergency room I experienced the power of His love. It was 4:00 a.m. and my father whom I lived with, alone at the time, had just suffered a nervous breakdown. I had called 911, rode the ambulance to the hospital and was left to sit alone in the waiting room. Now my obstacle was having enough faith to get through this difficult situation. I began

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ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR LARISIPThe launching of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project (LARISIP) on July 26, 2018 at the Golden Flame Resort, Tomana East in Rosales, Pangasinan was graced by NIA Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya and his Deputy Administrator for Admin and Finance Romeo Gan. Irrigation stakeholders headed by officials of Irrigators Associations, congressmen, mayors, barangay officials, LGU representatives and media personalities were also present to witness the symbolic event that would benefit hundreds of farmers and their families. The spatial coverage of LARISEP includes Pangasinan municipalities (Rosales, Sto. Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, San Manuel) and Moncada (Tarlac) for Region 1, and the municipality of Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija. In his speech, Visaya affirmed that LARISIP may officially start next year. LARISIP's primary objective is to construct new canal systems, rehabilitate existing irrigation facilities, restore non-functional service areas to improve water delivery and/or augment irrigation water supply in order to increase agricultural productivity and farmers income, and generate employment in the process.♦

Rosales, Pangasinan

NIA Administator Ricardo R. Visaya (2nd from right) and Pangasinan Gov. Amado T. Es-pino, Jr. unveil the symbolic map showing the spatial coverage of Lower Agno River Irri-gation System Improvement Project (LARISIP). Looking on are 6th District Board Member Noel Bince and NIA Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Romeo R. Gan.

ALAMINOS FARMERS GETS STWs

The City Government of Alaminos under the leadership of Mayor Arthur Celeste lauded the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the distribution of 20 units of engine pumps to the same number of farmer-beneficiaries under the newly-organized Telbang-Pandan-Victoria Farmers’ Irrigators Association (TPVF IA), Inc. in Barangay Telbang here last August 15, 2018. Celeste averred that the awarding of the equipment and its accessories which is a basic necessity in agriculture especially during dry spell boosted the morale of the farmers and their families. Earlier, NIA field specialists installed shallow tube wells (STW) within the 500 hectares potential service area of the association to ensure that the engine pumps would be maximized by some 200 beneficiaries under one communal irrigation system (CIS). Assistant PIMO Manager Engr, Aurora Reasonda said that additional 22 engine pumps will soon be released to TPVF IA to complete the project.

Alaminos City, Pangasinan

A l a m i n o s C i t y M a y o r A r t h u r C e -l e s t e ( 2 n d f r o m l e f t ) w i t h f a r m -e r - b e n e c i a r i e s u n d e r Te b a n g - P a n -d a n - V i c t o r i a F a r m e r s I r r i g a t o r s A s s o c i a t i o n ( T P V F I A ) I n c . r e c e i v e 2 0 e n g i n e p u m p s a n d a c c e s s o r i e s d u r i n g t h e c e r e m o n i a l p r o g r a m h e l d i n B r g y . Te b a n g , A l a m i n o s C i t y .

1. Eradicate graft and corruption.

2. Institute measures to improvedelivery of services, such as but not limited to, moderni-zation of equipment foroperation and project implementation.

3. Strengthen NIA organization.

4. Develop human resources andimprove their capabilities.

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Millions of Crops Lost as Ompong Batters PangasinanIn spite of the contingency plan issued by Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo on September 12, 2018 in anticipation of the onslaught of super typhoon Ompong, it was reported that the estimated cost of crop damage amounts to 123,955,500.00 Php in the province of Pangasinan alone. Engr. Aurelia G. Reasonda, PIMO Assistant Manager said that the total number of farmers affected in the province has reached 5,323 with 4,861 hectares of farmland. Responding to random reports and updates from PAGASA and LGUs,Engr. Vicmudo immediately ordered the opening of dam sluice gates and closing of canal intakes to minimize damage on irrigation facilities and structures which will ultimately cause foreseeable destruction of crops. Meanwhile, A total of 621 meters of line canal benefiting two irrigators associations (Anonang-Baraoas and Lateral AF) eroded due to flash flood in Sitio South Binday, in San Fabian, Pangasinan. PIMO Manager Gaudencio De Vera disclosed that the affected IAs with a total of 237 farmer-beneficiaries has a combined program area of 238 hectares for wet crop 2018. The most affected irrigation system in Pangasinan by typhoon Ompong is the Agno RIS with 1,088 or 20% of total affected farmers covering 853 hectares or 12% with a total damage cost of 21,751,500.00 or 17.54%.♦

cont. from page 1of the agency’s stepped up campaign to proactively address various security threats in the workplace. The SGTEP incorporates threat awareness which is intended to address potential or existing threats and hazards that executives or employees may face in the office environment. Part two of NIA RO1 security personnel training which enabled the participants to have a hands-on experience to their much awaited self-defense program was held at NIA Compound, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City the next day August 31, 2018. The special training was supervised by RIM Vicente R. Vicmudo who is a staunch advocate of martial arts as a practical means to develop one’s personal discipline, physical stamina and self-confidence.Meanwhile, the Tarlac Shooters’ Club, Inc. handled the gun firing and safety training which was held in Molave, San Isidro, Tarlac City. The participants excitedly travelled all the way to the nearby province to complete their two-day training after finishing their self-defense program in Urdaneta City earlier. In sum, developing a well-disciplined and efficient front line service personnel for the welfare of both clients and civil servants is a requisite for ISO certification which is being pursued by NIA.♦

NIA TRAINS SECURITY...

POLICE COURTESY Enlisted PNP personnel from the Bravo Coy Team 2 undergoing a 4-month schooling on Public Safety Senior Leadership Course (PSSLC) at the Philippine Public Safety College RTC in Aringay, La Union paid courtesy call to NIA RO1 Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo at the latter’s office in Urdaneta City. The team was under the leadership of SPO3 Benjie Rosales had their community immersion in Brgy. Bayaoas, Urdaneta City here from September 24-28, 2018 as part of their PSSLC to promote various PNP special programs such as bantay-bayan, crime prevention, anti-bullying, anti-violence against women and children and anti-illegal drugs campaign, among others.

INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

A three-day seminar and workshop designed to facilitate an integrated watershed management plan for Bayaoas and Dumuloc Small River Irrigation Projects (SRIP) was conducted at the NIA RO1 here from August 29-31, 2018. PIMO Manager Gaudencio M. De Vera said that the management activity was organized by NIA in an effort to formulate practical solutions and action plans for the agency to fully comply with the basic environmental laws governing watershed management in the region. DENR officials and SRIP authorities from NIA central office were tapped to lecture on related subject matters such as legal basis for environmental compliance certificate and monitoring and protection of water shed. Farmers as well as as peoples, organizations, representatives, and NIA technical staff and employees were invited to learn, exchange ideas, and share best practices during the seminar.♦

Mario Banda, Chief Lisensing and Permit Division of CENRO Dagupan lectures on environmental compli-ance certificate requirements and legal basis for requiring such permit.

Urdaneta City

first batch who were certified as full-pledged fire brigade of the agency to respond in case of fire and other related emergencies within the office perimeter are Engr. Placido B. Duldulao, Engr. Susimo G. Domingo, Engr. Teodorico N. Mejia, Cesar E. Ferrer, Jason T. Baraquio, Reynaldo B. Sotelo, Edgar S. Caguiat, Sr., Ronaldo C. Valdez, Engr. Adrian R. Pajulas, Engr. Gesiver C. Manaois, Marlouie V. Batalla, Raymond A. Locquiao, April Joy C. Justado, Malou S. Ferrer, Dahlia M. Diemsen and Irish F. Maiquez. The Fire Brigade Training consisted of lectures on organizational requirements, roles and responsibilities of the fire volunteers, firefighting apparatus and equipment, personal protective equipment, and the chemistry of fire. A thorough briefing on first aid to extreme medical emergencies, as well as the proper way of conducting a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was well-appreciated by the trainees. After the lecture, the participants had a drill in the regional office which was assessed based on the ability to apply the proper first aid on a certain accident, and the proper conduct of CPR was simulated. The last day of the training was all about Fire Fighting, wherein the NIA Fire Brigade learned about the

different styles of hose throwing and hose retrieval. The brigade also learned the proper use of fire extinguisher, the proper holding of nozzle and hose, as well as the proper communication used when fighting live fire. The Fire Simulation was held at Oval Grounds of Urdaneta City National Highschool.The BFP tactical officers who were responsible for the training program of the NIA Fire Brigade are SF01 Reynaldo C. Tamayo, SF01 Amante C. Battalao, SF01 Jocelyn P. Cancino, F02 Gwen May Amor Elegores, F01 McLym D. Amansec, F01 Berson S. Castro, and F01 Febilyn Dumao.♦

VRV CREATES... from page 1

PIMO Officials and employees headed by Engr. Gaudencio M. De Vera assess the damage on Binday Dam in San Fabian, Pangasinan caused by the super typhoon. The major facility is currently undergoing extensive repair under the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP).

FOUR POINT AGENDAof NIA Administrator Gen Ricardo R Visaya (Ret)

F i re f i g ht e r s f ro m t h e Urd an e t a C i t y F i re S t at i o n h e a d e d b y C hi e f F i re S a f e t y En -f o rc e m e nt R e y n a l d o Tam ay o c o n d u c t e d a f i r e s a f e t y d r i l l an d g e n e ra l o r i e nt at i o n f o r N IA R O 1 e mp l o y e e s . T h e a c t i v i t y i s p ar t o f t h e m an ag e m e nt ’s c o nt i nu i n g e d -u c at i o n p ro g ram t o e l e v at e t h e d i s a s t e r p re p are d n e s s o f e v e r y N IAn s .

Participants composed of SWRFTS and WRFOs regionwide had their posterity picture taken with Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo and Ilocos Sur Irrigation Management Office (ISIMO) Manager Adriano F. Amano before the onslaught of super typhoon Ompong.

4 5OPINION

In Pursuit of Service ExcellenceThe adoption of a new Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) form for NIA which was revised by the Government Commission on GOCCs (GCG) should be considered as a welcome development for the agency. Clearly, the GCG is doing its job to support the administration’s initiative to encourage and deepen clients’ participation in government processes in pursuit of service excellence.The CSS is an evaluation tool whose main objective is geared towards improving agency’s quality of service using survey results to gauge its general peformance. During the recently-concluded Institutional Development Program (IDP) National Workshop and Planning Review (NWPR) held at Cabaleyan Resort Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan on July 16-20, 2018, one of the main topics was the new CSS form. After a lengthy deliberation, it was averred that the new CSS was purposely modified to evaluate objectively NIA’s satisfaction index. In fact, organizational factors to be scrutinized as can be gleaned from the CSS performance parameters include human resource and organizational development, availability/dependability and timely distribution of water, capacity to provide training and other support services to the IAs, reliability of water facilities i.e. dams, canals, pipelines; handling of complaints and records keeping, and establishment of information and communication linkages

such as website and posting of directional signage, i.e. citizens charter and maintenance of orderly and clean work environment. On the other hand, the significance of the “No-ISF Collection” policy with respect to the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA No. 10969 (An Act Providing Free Irrigation Service, Amending for the Purpose of RA No.3601), spot-lighted the role of frontline personnel particularly IDP staff. The draft IRR specifically states that NIA’s operation and maintenance (O&M) transfer strategy to the farmers’ organizations should be in congruent with the provisions of Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). This simply means that NIA should now shift its focus on educating and capacitating the Irrigators Associations (IA) members through comprehensive training programs, close monitoring of IA performance, and providing of related technical assistance until they are able to carry-out their roles in irrigation management independently. Thus, NIA is left with the herculean task to carry out a noble advocacy which is to alleviate the socio-economic status of the farmers. Meanwhile, NIA RO1 Regional Manager Engr. Vicente R. Vicmudo emphasized the bearing of ISO Certification with respect to the granting of performance-based bonus (PBB) to NIA employees. He said that ISO Certification is a seal of approval from a 3rd party which connotes that NIA as an organization compliant with one of the internationally recognized ISO models. To embark on this ISO Certification endeavor entails revisiting the agency’s Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) which is actually a non-negotiable factor in justifying the agecy’s PBB entitlement. In a nutshell, the GCG requirements, the provisions of the “NO ISF Policy”, the mandate of NIA to extend administrative and technical assistance to the farmers, the conduct of IA Functionality Survey, and ISO Certification are interwoven to serve as continuing challenge in the road of service excellence. ♦

NIA CORE VALUESCommitmentIntegrityProfessionalism

Reflections... from page 2

saying to myself, “Why is God doing this to us? haven’t we been through enough? Doesn’t he love us?”. At that moment, I felt a hand brushes my neck and I heard the words, “everything is going to be alright”. I looked around and there was no one there and I thought I must be going crazy. Then it dawned on me. The Lord was reaching out to me in my time of need and I must reach back and so I prayed. That newfound faith is what I remember every time I must make difficult decisions, when my head says just go ahead and do it, and my heart says, is this what God really wants from me? I remember that whenever I need him He is there for me, I just have to knock on that door because He will not force himself upon me. I must ask him to enter my heart and my life.Making a choice to go out into the world and make a difference whether it is a small kindness like smiling at a stranger or a grand gesture like volunteering at a homeless shelter, it all begins with your choice to go down the path of Christian life where the obstacles are no longer mountains but bumps along the road of life. They may still be painful but it’s always easier when you have a friend by your side.I’d like to leave with you a verse from Isaiah Chapter 41 verse 10 followed by a song entitled, “Be Not Afraid” that touched me when I made my Cursillo.“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ♦

FARMERS REAP BENEFITS OF MUSHROOM GROWINGby: Kristine Quilausing

Bad Weather Disrupts Training for SWRFTs and WRFOs

Although growing mushrooms is unlike gardening other vegetables, people can still grow mushrooms organically in their own backyard. With the right materials, growing this healthy addition to any dish is simpler than is seems.

The Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) sponsored the Livelihood Training on Mushroom Cultivation for the United Farmers of Sinocalan Federation of Irrigators Association, Inc. and Staff of Sinocalan River Irrigation System (RIS) on September 24-25, 2018 at the Farmer’s Pavilion, Provincial Agriculture Office here. The livelihood project was in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Pangasinan spearheaded by Ms. Dalisay Moya. On its part, the NIA-Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) Agno-Sinocalan River Irrigation System tapped the services of its partner agency to conduct the mushroom cultivation project. Ms. Concordia S. Lee, Agriculturist B, from the PAgO facilitated the training which includes lecture on the importance of the activity. The essential materials needed and different varieties of mushroom were given to the participants on the first day while actual demonstation of mushroom cultivation was undertaken during the second day. According to Ms. Lee, “Mushroom is a productive family venture which requires minimum investment.” It can be a major source of income which can be propagated utilizing huge volume of agricultural waste.”Six Irrigators Associations in Zone II of Agno RIS were also benefited mushroom training project held on August 31 and September 1, 2018 at Events Tent, Binalonan, Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, the Institutional Development Section (IDS) of the Agno-Sinocalan RIS has programmed series of livelihood trainings for the Irrigators Associations and Farmer Federations which include mushroom growing, to demonstrate the cost - benefit analysis for mushroom production, and to encourage them to generate funds to augment their income in their respective backyards in the process.♦

Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan

As part of NIA RO1’s preparation for its ISO certification program, the Engineering & Operations Division (EOD) embarked on a 3-day capability enhancement seminar for Sr. Water Resource Facilities Technicians (SWRFTs) and Water Resorce Facilities Officers (WFROs) at the Banaoang Pump 1 Irrigation Project (BPIP) office here on September 12, 2018.

San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur

HANDS ON TRAINING Farmers of Sinocalan Federation of Irrigators Association during their actual mushroom cultivation activity which was supervised by Provincial Agriculturist Concordia Lee at the Farmers Pavillon, Provincial Agriculture Office in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

Engr. Susimo G. Domingo, Operation Section Chief announced that the abbreviated capability training will resume in October.

The event which was graced by RM Engr. Vicente R. Vicmudo was cut short by two days due to the preemptive evacuation measures imposed for super typhoon Ompong. NIA employees particularly those involved in operations were directed by the management to proceed and monitor in their respective area in anticipation of flood-related incidents expected to hamper agriculture and irrigation activities.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE ADVOCATES The Pangasinan Association of Government Infor-mation Officers (PAGIO) headed by its incumbent president and NIA PRO Oscar S. Navata (right) paid courtesy call to RM Vicente R. Vicmudo (middle) af-ter the seminar on FOI and 8888 Complaint Hotline. Officers of the PAGIO include Information Officers from DTI, NFA, PHIL HEALTH, PAG-IBIG, DEP-ED and the local government of Dagupan City. Also in photo are Meriam Aquino (seated; left), PIA Info Office and PIA Pangasinan Center Chief April Bravo.

“This simply means that NIA should now exert more effort in educating and capacitating the Irrigators Association (IA) members”