Monday, December 16, 2013

NIA to undertake 715 irrigation projects in 2014-- Maranan

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija-Administrator Claro V. Maranan of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) yesterday said the irrigation agency is targeting to implement 715 irrigation projects next year in line with his seven-point development agenda anchored on the fast-tracking of big-ticket projects which have been delayed in past administrations.

          Speaking during the Christmas Party of officers and employees of the NIA regional office in Central Luzon in Barangay    Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan at noon here yesterday, Maranan said they are speeding up the bidding process for NIA projects so that these could be started right away.

          He said that by the end of this month, bidding for all proposed projects in 2012 will have been finished. "In 2014, we have 715 projects of which 200 have already been bid out," he said."

          The NIA chief presided over the turn-over of four back hoes and multi-cabs to irrigators' associations. The heavy equipment and vehicles were pet projects of NIA Region 3 director Reynaldo Puno.

          With him here were NIA assistant administrator Dexter Patrocinio, Puno, Department of Agriculture regional director Andrew Villacorta and managers Angel Miguel of the Pampanga-Bataan irrigation management office (Pam-Bat IMO), Lauro Ballesteros of the Tarlac-Zambales (Tarzam) IMO and Bulacan-Nueva Ecija (Bane) IMO officer-in-charge Virgilio Ilao.  

          The fast-tracking of NIA projects is part of the seven-point development agenda Maranan conceptualized and formulated as the guiding principles of his administration. This, he said,  serves as the roadmap and immediate course of action on various aspects of organizational and operational performance.

          These are (1) rapid and efficient delivery of irrigation projects, (2) accurate reporting and monitoring system, (3) organizational reforms and process innovations, (4) corporate financial stability, (5) empowerment and continuous learning for employees, (6) comprehensive plan on climate change adaptation and (7) stronger commitment to farmers and other stakeholders.

          The first of the seven-point agenda was believed adopted by Maranan to avoid project delays which were believed to have triggered the replacement of his predecessor, former administrator Antonio Nangel.
        
       It would be recalled that President Aquino scolded Nangel during the agency's 50th anniversary celebrations last June 25 for failing to implement the Balog-Balog Irrigation Project in his home province of Tarlac.  
          
          Maranan said as part of his vision for fast-tracked irrigation projects, the 17 various regional offices may directly implement and undertake projects worth P100 million and below to decentralize the process.
          
          At the same time, Maranan said they have identified 160 potential sites for the putting up of mini-hydro power projects, of which 120 have been found to be feasible.
        
        He said NIA is entering into a joint venture agreement with the private sector for these projects. (Manny Galvez)




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