WHO

WHY

WHAT

RTF ELCAC LAUNCHES NIA TRAINING PROGRAMS IN PANGASINAN

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APRIL - SEPTEMBER 2020

BICYCLES, ANYONE?

INFLUENZA VACCINATION

DAMAYAN SA INIMO

2nd and 3rd QUARTER MILESTONES(APRIL - SEPTEMBER 2020)

NEW LADY MANAGERS

“IRIGASYON AY BUHAY” RESUMES

Management tapped the services of a medical team from Vinto General Merchandise who administered Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine to 46 officials and employees of NIA R1. Boosting the employees’ immune system are of significant value in creating a healthier and more productive workforce.

A total of 12 mountain bikes were awarded to lucky NIAns who won in the online Bingo games which was part of the 57th NIA Anniversary celebrations last June 22, 2020. Management is promoting the use bicycles which is one, if not the best alternative means of transportation in these challenging times of Covid19 pandemic.

SPMS CONFERENCE

Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) focal persons representing different units/sections prepare for the upcoming first semester performance evaluation. The team is guided by Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) customized for NIA R1 to carry out a merit-based performance evaluation system for both employees and offices. The SPMS Team is under auspices of NIA R1 Committee on Good Governance (CGG)

NIA R1 family congratulates Engr. Leonila G. Fernandez and Engr. Gertrudes A. Viado who took their oath at the NIA Central Office as Engineering and Operations Division (EOD) Manager and Ilocos Sur Irrigation Management Office (ISIMO) Manager respectively.Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Sector M/Gen Romeo G Gan facilitated the simple oath-taking proceedings on June 10, 2020

“Irigasyon ay Buhay”. NIA and DZMQ Radyo Pilipinas (Dagupan) recently renewed the MOA which aims to help promote the agency’s efforts in irrigation development relative to national food security program. Engr. Susimo G. Domingo and Avelino S. Aquino, Operation Section Chief and Supervising IDO respectively were designated as NIA R1 spokespersons for the segment. Strict adherence to physical distancing was observed during the entire duration of the radio program.

would NIAns work harder in the midst of pandemic?

won the most coveted Employee of the Year Award?

are the programs and activities pursued by NIA R1 frontliners at the height of pandemic?

IIocos Norte Irrigation Management Office (INIMO) headed by Engr. Danilo V. Gomez and the Samahan ng mga Empleyado ng Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Patubig, Inc. (SEPPP, Inc.) joined hands in providing relief goods to eighty (80) INIMO employees and fifty-four (54) job order workers. For almost two months, operations in NIA R1 were hampered due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) imposed by the national government. (Photo by INIMO)

Responding to the call of the national government to help put an end to the country’s 50-year old insurgency problem, the Poverty Reduction, Employment and Livelihood Cluster (PRLEC) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTC ELCAC) in cooperation with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), the Municipal Government of Umingan, Pangasinan and Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) successfully launched the National Irrigation Administration’s maiden project on August 18, 2020 in Brgy. Diket, Umingan, Pangasinan. Target beneficiaries of the “Leadership, Skills and Livelihood Training Programs” are some 300 officials and members of the Capsing and Upper Banila Irrigators Associations. The training programs which consist of 16 capacity building modules would enable farmers’ organizations get through with the current economic crisis brought about by the pandemic. NIA Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel said that members of the Upper Banila IA in Brgy. Masiel-siel here will also undergo similar capability training and IA strengthening programs which will last until year 2021. The training programs will be funded by NIA through its Institutional Development Program (IDP).

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Tilapia Fingerlings Distribution. (L-R) Brgy. Diket Chairman Raymundo Serdeniola, Umingan Mayor Michael Carleone Cruz, Capsing IA President Falcuneri Serdeniola, San Quintin Agriculture Center Chief Aurelia Cariaga, NIA Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel and TESDA Provincial Director Jimmicio Daoaten during the symbolic turnover of fingerlings to serve as initial alternative livelihood for Capsing IA officials, members and their families.

Umingan, Pangasinan

NIA R1 Creates Emergency Team

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In response to the imminent and complex effects of the SARS Corona Virus2 in the workplace, Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel issued a memorandum order constituting the Emergency Response Team for NIA Regional Office and Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) on July 23, 2020 in line with the provisions of Rule 1000 of the Labor Code of the Philippines entitled: “Occupational Safety Health Standard”. The main objective of this Rule is “to protect every workingman against the dangers of

Farmer Leaders Hold Teleconferencing

Farmer leaders representing the Timpuyog Daguiti Irrigators Association Ti Region 1 (TIARI), Inc. convene for their 2nd Quarter Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting on July 14, 2020 via zoom app teleconferencing. With the aid of modern technology, Irrigators Associations’

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Random Impressions...By: Grace Lina T. Langit

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Farmers Teleconferencing. Under the new normal farmer leaders are compelled to adapt with new technologies to be able to perform their mandate amid the chaotic working environ-ment brought about by the pandemic.

spokespersons based in the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan were able to actively participate in the meeting which was presided by Rogelio Ceredon, FIA President in Ilocos Norte. TIARI which is a federation of farmers associations tackled various issues and concerns affecting their farming activities which include intervention programs of the Department of

Agriculture, and government assistance in the acquisition of farm machinery and equipment and the effect of quarantine measures caused by the pandemic. NIA R1 Supervising IDO Avelino Aquino discussed the intricate features of the alternative training arrangements prescribed by NIA to accelerate institutional development programs in support to the farmers amid the pandemic.

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NIA R1 Creates...

Farmer Leaders..

injury, sickness or death through safe and healthful working conditions, thereby assuring the conservation of valuable manpower resources and the prevention of loss or damage to lives and properties, consistent with national development goals and with the State’s commitment for the total development of every worker as a complete human being.” The Philippine Red Cross administered the pre-selection of NIA personnel during the orientation for the CY 2020 First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on February 28, 2020 to ensure the capability of the organization during disaster s and emergencies.

“Rule 1000 of the Labor Code of the Philippines entitled: Occupational Safety Health Standard “The NIA R1 Emergency Response Team is headed by Engineering and Operations Division Manager Leonila G. Fernandez who was designated as Incident Commander of the Team. Different action groups organized under the direct supervision of Engr. Fernandez are Security (crowd control), Administrative (incident briefing and evacuation), Responders (planned and controlled movement of personnel), Logistics (management of supplies, first-aid and emergency kits) and Documenters (documentation and incident reporting).

Health awareness which includes understanding the relevance of certain medical terms or conditions such as “comorbidities” in rela-tion to Covid19 is the order of the day at the NIA regional office 1. Newly hired nurse Denver Sandoval, for a start, discuss the causes and effects of hypertension and its scientific treatment. Key officials who attended the 1 hour lecture disclosed the management plan to conduct similar activities regularly to further educate NIAns on pre-ventive measures against the pandemic.

Hypertension Awareness Campaign

Augusto P. Elegado holds the distinction of winning the NIA R1 Best Employee of the Year for four consecutive years since 2017. The recognition was given during the 57th NIA Anniversary on June 22, 2020 at National Irrigation Administration, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City.

“Hindi ako masyadong nag-expect na ako uli ang mananalo”, acknowledged Elegado during the interview. In addition to his Certificate of Recognition, he received a cash gift amounting to Five Thousand Pesos for his feat. “Since he is already considered a Grand Slam winner for 4 consecutive years Mr. Elegado will no longer be nominated for next year’s Best Employee of the Year Award to give chance to other employees”, EOD Manager Leonila G. Fernandez said in jest.

Elegado’s accomplishment is a management initiative that motivates employees to work harder and in the process enhance over all productivity. Rewards for accomplishments also boost employees’ morale, since healthy competition brings in enthusiasm that sparks inspiration towards service excellence.

DRIVER BAGS EMPLOYEE OF

THE YEAR AWARD

Anderson E. Guillermo

Don’t just GROW…..BLOOM where you are plantedWhat’s good in my life? What needs to be done?

It’s important to ask and answer these questions everyday. Our life can depend on these aspects. When doing these, it can lead us to positive thinking then to powerful thinking.

When you want success, happiness, fulfillment and inner peace, start thinking and focus on the bright side of life and be optimistic to achieve the results.

We have to keep our dreams alive. All things are possible to those who believe. Life will constantly send us challenges to test our positivity and to have faith to look towards the future with optimism and vibrancy, in spite of difficulties. Optimism is the key that leads to achievement. This must be coupled with hope and confidence.

See the flowers, they grow abundantly around us. We have different kinds in different places. They exude beauty and abundance. They make us happy when we are sad, they brighten our days when we are weary, they lift our spirits when we are down, they comfort us in times of distress, and so many more. Different flowers denote different meanings and symbols.

Just like them, we are planted to where we are. We live a life true to ourselves and be creative and productive individuals. We laugh, we cry, we shout and enjoy the beauty life has to offer us. Most importantly, WE GROW.

In growing up, we plant seeds of love, happiness, contentment, beauty and the right attitudes towards one another. By doing these, WE BLOOM. We create an atmosphere of positivity among our peers. Life will be beautiful then.

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COMMITMENT is the state of being dedicated to a cause or activity. Commitments are powerful because they influence how you think and act. Making a commitment means that you try harder and look for solutions when faced with obstacle.

Being committed also requires long term goals, and then devising a vision and direction to achieve those goals. Achieving these long-term goals keep an individual motivated. Committed people have a good self-concept, strong self-esteem, and a balance between what they want with what they’re capable of. If you are more committed to yourself, you will be more concern about the environment and the world.

INTEGRITY is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s action. Wikipedia

Integrity is one of the core values that employers look for in potential employees. Honesty is an optimal example of integrity in the workplace. Trust, honor, and honesty are the key elements to the concept of integrity. In the workplace, employees that act with integrity will always tell the truth, are accountable and reliable, and treat coworker, stakeholder and customer with respect. They will do the right thing , even when no one is watching.

In furtherance with the four-point agenda of Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya, in line with the Quality Policy of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), an ad hoc Committee on Good Governance (CGG) was constituted on July 24, 2020 by virtue of a memorandum order signed by the Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel on July 24, 2020. The CGG is mandated to oversee the timely submission of reportorial requirements on the Freedom of Information (FOI) and the efficient implementation of a merit-based performance evaluation system as mandated by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to all government agencies, GOCCs and State Universities and Colleges. The working committees of the CGG is composed of Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) Project, FOI Program and Media & Public Relations Affairs. The Steering Committee is chaired by RM Angelito S. Miguel who is ably assisted by Engineering and Operations Division (EOD) Manager Leonila G. Fernandez and Administrative and Finance Division (AFD) Manager Vanessa C. Moulic. The CGG is motivated to pursue NIA’s Quality Policy which states, “We strive for the attainment of our strategic themes of Technical and Operational Excellence, and Good Governance through Partnership with the farmers and other relevant interested parties.” Earlier, Engr. Miguel designated an additional five Provincial Information Officers (PIO) in an attempt to strengthen the agency’s capability to engage with tri-media representatives amidst the new normal where government agencies are compelled to promote their services through teleconferencing and other virtual means with the use of modern technology. -OSN

PROFESSIONALISM is the conduct, behavior, and attitude of someone in a work or business environment. Qualities like honesty, punctuality, a spirit of service, the ability to meet deadlines and many others are essential factors. Without them, a professional, no matter how talented, will find it difficult to work with others. A professional person should aim to be courteous, and should at the very least respect the rights, dignity, and autonomy of others.Genuine professionals practice good self- regulation. This means they stay professional under pressure. They are polite and respectful to the people around them. They show a high degree of emotional intelligence and are careful to consider the emotions and needs of others.

THE RELEVANCE OF CORE VALUES IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE

NIA R1 AMPLIFIES GOOD GOVERNANCE

from page 1RTF ELCAC...In his brief message, Engr. Miguel underscored that majority of the residents in Umingan rely primarily on agriculture as their means of livelihood. “In this time of pandemic, it’s very essential that our farmers should have alternative means of livelihood to augment their meager income specially during these difficult times. I think this is the relevance of our collaborative effort… to bring in your backyards practical skills training and livelihood opportunities so that no one will become idle every farming season”, Engr. Miguel said. NTF-ELCAC which was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 70 signed by PDU30 in 2018 is mandated to employ a multi-pronged approach that will put an end to the treacherous life cycle of more than five decades of insurgency in the country. In a nut shell, government agencies and their corresponding units at all levels are enjoined to cooperate, interact, support, provide practical solutions and solve problems and issues on the ground that are being exploited by anti-government elements in order to stir-up our countrymen fight against our government through armed struggle. Umingan Mayor Michael Carleone Cruz, Guest of Honor and Speaker said that If the basic needs of the masses, particularly the marginalized sectors of our society will benefit from government resources through human empowerment and the so-called whole-of-nation approach is carried our efficenrtly, there will be no reason for widespread insurgency movements in the country. Meanwhile, TESDA officials and employees headed by Provincial Director Jimmicio S. Daoaten gave the participants a thorough lecture on the various services being offered by TESDA which can be availed free of charge through the RTF ELCAC programs and projects. -OSN

HIGHLIGHTS OF RTF ELCAC PROJECT LAUNCH IN UMINGAN

On August 18 to 19, 2020, the National Irrigation Administration Regional Office No. 1 successfully launched its first project with the Poverty Reduction, Employment and Livelihood Cluster (PRLEC) RTC ELCAC under the auspices of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) being the cluster chair. The simple ceremony was held in Brgy. Diket, Umingan, Pangasinan. The event which was graced by Mayor Michael Carleone Cruz was also supported by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan through the office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) and the Municipal Government of Umingan, Pangasinan the benefeciaries of the Leadership, Skills and Livelihood Training Programs are the members of Capsing and Upper Banilla Irrigators Associations who will undergo series of capability building programs. Here are some of the highlights of the launching ceremony with the observance of social distancing protocol. -OSN

(L-R) RM Angelito S. Miguel and PIMO Manager Gaudencio De Vera exchanged pleasantries with Umingan Mayor Michael Carleone Cruz before the program.

Livelihood project proponents headed by TESDA Provincial Director Jimmicio S. Daoaten and NIA RM Angelito S. Miguel (2nd,R-L) at the VIP table.

RM Miguel delivers his inspirational message to the official of CAPSING Irrigators Association.

TESDA Asingan Administrator Jesus Salagubang presents the various livelihood skills training the participants can avail of through the PRLEC chaired by TESDA in Regional.

Tilapia Dispersal. Aqua culture is a viable and sustainable means of livelihood for Umingan farmers in collaboration with OPAg and the National Irrigation Administration.

Upper Banilla Irrigators Association, Inc. participant-beneficia-ries listen intently during the project launch at the Don Montano Elementary School in Umingan, Pangasinan.

San Quintin Agriculture Center Chief Aurelia Cariaga promotes the OPAg Livelihood Program which include poultry, aqua cul-ture and handling of fruit-bearing trees which are practical busi-ness endeavors in support to farming activities.

Brgy. Dikit Chairman Raymundo E. Serdeniola welcomes par-ticipant-beneficiaries representing CAPSING Irrigators Associ-ation, Inc. during the ceremonial launching of the project.

By: Anderson E. Guillermo

In its quest to qualify all its Regional Offices to the standards of ISO certification, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) inculcates to its work force the core values being spoused by the top management. These core values dictate the unique behavior of the agency in pursuit of its vision, mission, quality policies and objectives relative to the goals of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). Thus, NIAns, regular and non-regular employees alike are duty-bound to discharge their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the following core values:

NIA CORE VALUESCOMMITMENT

INTEGRITYPROFESSIONALISM

1. Eradicate graft and corruption.2. Institute measures to improved delivery of services, such as but not limited to, modernization of equipment for operation and project implementation. 3.Strengthen NIA organization.4.Develop human resources and improve their capabilities.

FOUR POINT AGENDA

of NIA Administrator Gen Ricardo R Visaya (Ret)

The Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV), a non-profit and non-government organization duly registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission, is an Accredited Learning and Development Institution (ALDI) by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) since 2013.

CRFV, created in 1994, started to work under the auspices of the PNP-Values Formation to implement the Moral Recovery Program of the then President Fidel V. Ramos. It became an accredited Corruption Prevention Unit in 1999 by the Office of the Ombudsman and later registered as independent NGO in 2000. As a Corruption Prevention Unit, CRFV advanced its advocacy for a graft and corrupt-free society by raising value-laden and ethical leaders. CRFV was awarded as the Most Outstanding Corruption Prevention Unit (CPU) in 2000, 2001, and 2002 until such conferment was discontinued later by the Office of the Ombudsman. CRFV continued its function as a CPU with the accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman for Luzon and Visayas in 2007 and 2010 respectively.

Trivia:What is CRFV?

#TuloyAngDaloyNIA

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON( In the midst of pandemic)

Our humble role as Values Restoration Officers (VROs) of the Council for Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV) in NIA R1 was not spared by the pandemic. Ever since the Monday morning flag ceremonies came into a halt, the opportunity to share human values which are meant to remind our fellow workers in the government, the virtues enshrined under Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and ethical standard for government official and employees) was suddenly thwarted. Thank God we have an alternative medium to convey the latest contribution of the CRFV in the promotion of good governance in the government service. We are priviledged to reprint in toto the Council’s timely and relevant message in the exigency of the service.

The pandemic brought about by SARS 2 Corona Virus that caused millions of Covid 19 cases worldwide has affected our socio-political landscape. Here are some significant irrigation development activities undertaken during the pandemic:

NIA Regional Manager Angelito S. Miguel and PIMO Manager Gaudencio M. De Vera speak at the Kapihan sa Pangasinan (Tongtongan ed PIA) hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Center Manager Venus Mae Sarmiento at the NIA Regional Training Center in Urdaneta City. NIA officials tackled various issues and concerns in irrigation management. The program was also covered live by various media representatives from broadcast and print media. Highlights of the discussion include water delivery and its distribution and the status of big ticket projects, the Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project (LARISIP) in particular.

Workers are mobilized to resume construction activities in Rosales, Pangasinan.

O & M personnel supervise the canal clearing and desilting of the Ambayoan - Dipalo River Irrigation System (ADRIS) in Brgy. Magallanes in Tayug, Pangasinan. ADRIS is under the auspices of Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO).

NIA R1 almost simultaneously intensified its operation and maintenance activities following the month-long suspencion of basic irrigation services due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), a government regulation to prevent the spread of Covid 19. Repair and clearing of silted irrigation canals in Rosales, San Fabian, San Quintin, San Nicolas, Tayug in Eastern part of Pangasinan were resumed in response to the sustained effort for the country’s food security program.

Despite the hassles of a community quarantine consequential to the threat of Covid19 , NIA officials and selected farmer-leaders operating in Sinocalan River Irrigation System managed to convene for the indespensable System Management Committee (SMC) conference. The important undertaking took place at the Dona Feliza Elementary School, Barangay Amansabina in Mangaldan, Pangasinan last June 4, 2020. As a manifestation of collaborative effort among Irrigators Associations, a conference is held before the start of every cropping season to consolidate and finalize plans for the implementation of Cropping Calendar and Pattern of Planting (CCPP) in order to ensure prompt and systematic water delivery and its distribution. The participants unanimously agreed to start their farming activities for this year’s wet crop season beginning the first week of July. The Sinocalan RIS is under the supervision of Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO).

1. KAPIHAN sa NIA (Enhanced social distancing)

2. Soft Resumption of O&M Activities

3. PIMO Sets Up New Normal SMC

BY: OSN

NIA R1 Gears Up to New Normal

- Rhoda S. Echanes and Wilma C. Morante“We must strive to remain active and relevant in the midst of pandemic. The value of our hard work can be seen and measured as we create new opportunities for others to pursue”It’s been five months since the COVID-19 infection was declared a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that pandemic is not a word to be used frivolously or carelessly. If misused, it is a word that can cause unfounded fear that can cause unnecessary losses, emotional/ physical suffering, and even death.

Many nations have and are facing insurmountable challenges and struggling with the reality of their capacity to overcome & recover from this global pandemic. The Philippines is no exception. This unseen enemy has sucked too much of our resources - economic. It’s a war that we have no choice but to face head-on.

The government has been working non-stop trying to weigh in things – the pros and cons of things and find a balance across too many factors. Then they can only cross their fingers and hope that things turn out according to their projections. Meanwhile, they are working hard to monitor its progress, implement back-up plans and at the same time planning, preparing for whatever will come next. If this isn’t hard work, what could it be?

Moreover, this pandemic has taken its toll on us all. Many have lost their jobs and closed businesses; the front liners are exhausted but will have to continue going; our government officers are overwhelmed but they still need to implement protocols, strategize, make & adjust decisions.

Let us all remember that while we are all having a difficult time, there are those who have no choice but to work hard during this crisis. Not doing so can possibly cost immeasurable consequences – to our society & the Philippines as a whole.

Filipinos as we are, we are naturally resilient – able to withstand every adverse challenge and calamity that comes our way. We have the power to be resolute and quickly adapt to circumstances. Our ability to survive and adjust will allow us to win this war no matter how complicated things will turn out to be.

The value of hard work, is currently being redefined. It is ongoing, continuous, and it keeps challenging us to participate and embrace it. We are being admonished to mature from mediocrity to excellence. To find opportunities in adversities – turn it around and make it favorable towards us and our society. Be innovative, take advantage of digitalization/ technology and use it for transformational causes.

We are not just renovating the landscape of our economy but we are transforming and uplifting lives. In all that we do, we must inspire others, instill in them that there is hope - that this and other pandemic is not part of our future. We show people that there is a way out. Meanwhile, still an excellent pathway we must rise and revolutionize our strategies to make it more robust and relevant in the coming years.

We must strive to remain active and relevant in the midst of pandemic. The value of our hard work can be seen and measured as we create new opportunities for others to pursue. Let us also approach it with gratitude – that we are thankful of

having work to do, not for monetary gains but a deeper sense of meaning, sense of worth and dignity. Above all, we work fully trusting God, knowing that we are working alongside Him.

We work hard and we value it, not only for ourselves but for the nation and the future generations. We work as One, we heal as One. (JVS, CRFV)

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