WHAT

WHO

WHY

FARMERS CONGRESS HELD AT UMAANI EXPO

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is spearheading the move to regulate quarrying in Pangasinan for the sake of the farmers?

Sta. Barbara, PangasinanThe highly celebrated Farmers Congress held at the Provincial Nursery Reservation in Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan sponsored by NIA 1 is one of the main events of the Agew na Umaaniy Pagey (Day of Rice Havesters).The sponsorship was a gesture of full cooperation and support to the 3rd Pangasinan Umaani Expo 2019 under the auspices of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan. With the theme "Payabungin at Pangalagaan ang Agrikultura ng Pangasinan", the farmers' congress which was launched on the second day of the week-long festivity was graced by Governor Amado I. Espino III. Some 750 farmers representing various Irrigators Associations (IAs) in the province attended the congress which culminated with the awarding of plaque of recognition to outstanding IAs. Updates on the status of irrigation development, current programs and projects under the Department of Agriculture, and information dissemination on the

Governor Amado I. Espino III flashes the “No. 1” sign with Pangasinan Confederation of Irrigators Association (PCFIA), Inc. officials who awarded him a certificate of appreciation for championing the cause of the farmers in the province.

In separate interviews, NIA R1 Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo (left) and PCFIA, Inc. President Ernesto C. Pamoceno answer questions from the media pertaining to El Nino phenomenon and other matters on Irrigation development in the province of Pangasinan during the break out session of the Farmers Congress.

NIA R1 CONDUCTS CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT SEMINAR FOR UTILITY WORKERS

In line with NIA-R1 image-building and service improvement initiatives, the Administrative and Finance Division (AFD) headed by Vanessa C. Moulic embarked on another HR-related capability enhancement activity entitled “Training Program for Utility Workers” held at the Leisure Coast Resort in Dagupan City from April 3-4, 2019. Competent lecturers from NIA Central Office, TESDA Pangasinan School of Arts and

Trade (PSAT) and the Office of Public Order and Safety Office of LGU Urdaneta City were invited to facilitate the training program specifically designed to upgrade the skills of utility workers from the four provincial offices under NIA R1. Topics include basic housekeeping, effective waste segregation and solid waste management and various lectures on employees benefits.

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VISION A professional agency providing effective, efficient and sustainable irrigation services to

the Filipino Farmers.

MISSIONTo develop, construct, operate and maintain irrigation systems consistent with integrated

water resouce management principles contributing to agricultural productivity.

QUALITY POLICYWe commit to provide efficient, effective, and sustainable irrigation services aimed

towards the highest satisfaction of the Filipino Farmers.

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.

We abide with applicable legal and international requirements.

We remain dedicated to the core values of Commitment, Integrity, and Professionalism, to contiually improve the NIA’s Quality Management System.

QUALITY OBJECTIVES1. Increased Irrigated areas Contributing to Agricultural Productivity2. Attain Satisfaction of Farmers3. Improve Planning, Design and Implementation of Irrigation and Multi-purpose Projects to be Climate Change Adaptive4. Ensure Efficient and Effective Operation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems.5. Improve Budget Utilization and Revenue Generation from non- irrigation sources6. Adopt a Results-Based Performance Culture7. Improve Management Information Systems and Processes

National Irrigation AdministrationRegional Office No. 1

Commitment Integrity Professionalism

is Knowledge Management (KM) important in organizational development?

does it take to help farmers mitigate the El Nino effect this year?

January-March 2019

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

NIA R1 Celebrates 2019ReflectionsPASSION WEEK

NIA Region 1 (NIA RO 1) held its culminating program on Women’s Month celebration last March 28, 2019 with an Orientation Program discussing RA 10175 otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and RA 7877 also known as Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995. The orientation was held in the morning at the NIA Regional Training Center with Police Captain Ria F. Tacderan as the invited resource speaker. She is the Chief of the Provincial Family Juvenile Gender and Development (FJGAD) Office in our province. Capt. Tacderan explained RA 10175 as an Act defining Cybercrime, providing for the prevention, investigation,

suppression, and the imposition of penalties therefor. It punishes content-related offenses such as cybersex, child pornography and libel which may be committed through a computer system. The Act also addressed legal issues concerning on-line transactions. She also tackled the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 embodied under RA 7877. This act classified sexual harassment as unlawful in the employment, education, training development, and for other purposes. The regional employees were given the chance to know and acquire knowledge involving sexual harassment in the workplace, its coverage and attributes, and

By: Domingo Agne, SWRFT, ISIMO

Holy Week is, the holiest week of the Christian year. It’s also the busiest. The week starts on Palm Sunday with commemoration of Christ’s triumphal entry in Jerusalem. It continues on Maundy Thursday with a retelling of the story of the Last Supper, and Jesus’ betrayal by a disciple.The holiness of the week really starts on Maundy or Holy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday. That’s only four days that are considered as legal and religious regular holidays on any Philippine calendar. So, how do you find the true essence of Holy Week? Holy Week should be a time for inner reflection, an opportunity to examine our own lives to see how well we are living and how this affects other people. Holy Week should be a time to reflect on what to unpack from our mental burdens, on how far our sacrifices have carried our lives, and how much good we have done for others or if we have been a burden to others.This holy week we need to really dig deep into ourselves and reflect where we are going with our life. Am I earning an honest living or do I spend my time productive to my work?Remember that reflection can be a paradox because it’s more than just what is black and white in your life. There may be some things in our lives that seem white but are actually gray. However, in the end, finding true essence in any religious holiday should be a reflection of how good you live your life and what good you do towards other people.

Former Institutional Development Division (IDD) Manager Bayani P. Ofrecio was NIA R1 resource speaker during the Orientation on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10969 otherwise known as the Free Irrigation Service Act (FISA) promulgated under PDU30 administration. The orientation was attended by IDP implementers composed of selected managers, section chiefs, supervisors, Institutional Development Officers (IDOs and Water Resource Facility Technicians.

A total of 87 officials and employees from NIA Regional Office 1 composed of Batch 1 (Jan 17-18, 2019) and Batch 2 (Jan 22-23, 2018) successfully completed the “Refresher Training in Using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Fundamentals of Communications Writing” under the tutelage of RM Engr. Vicente R. Vicmudo, Ph.D. (middle).

COMPUTER TRAINING FOR NIAns

Ecclesiastes 5:1

“Food for the Spirit”

The Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) completes NIA R1 Twelve-month guesting for the 2018 NIA block time program at the Radyo Pilipinas (Dagupan City). Dubbed as “Irigasyon ay Buhay”, the program is in fulfillment of the memorandum of agreement aimed at promoting various irrigation projects and activities in Region 1.

1ST SEMESTER MILESTONES(JANUARY TO MARCH 2019) NIA R1 enlists new batch of on-the-job trainees from Urdaneta College University

(UCU), University of Pangasinan -PHINMA, Pangasinan State University (PSU) and ABE International Business College to undergo training and exposure in the agency. Last year, NIA opened its door to colleges and universities to pomote awareness on the socio-economic relevance of irrigation development.

-Fr. Ed Guarin, SVD“Surround yourself with people who are really good and passionate in what they do. Possitivity and

passion make a powerful combination”

IRIGASYON AY BUHAY: THE FINAL SEGMENT

Nieva Loy C. Rafana,(middle) Industry Development Manager of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1 was guest speaker during the Organizational Knowledge Seminar of NIA R1 on March 22, 2019. Ms. Rafana lectured on RA 11032 otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business. In photo are LUIMO Manager Roselyn M. Banez and INIMO Manager Engr. Danilo V. Gomez.

NIA R1 represented by Public Relations Officer Oscar S. Navata and Engr. Cipriano Y. Yabut participated in the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Forum dubbed "Tongtongan Diad PIA" (Discussions at PIA) held at the People's Astrodome in Dagupan City. Other guest agencies include PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, National Food Authority (NFA) and representatives of the Pangasinan Government Information Officers Association (PAGIOA).

NIA AT THE PIA FORUM

The entire NIA R1 workforce headed by Engr. Vicente R. Vicmudo gamely participated in this year’s ushering ceremony entitled: “Addressing Challenges through modernization; meeting Opportunities through Innovation” at the NIA compound in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

‘EASE OF DOING BUSINESS’

UPBEAT NIAns USHERS CY 2019

NEW OJTs

NIA R1 culminates its 2019 National Women’s Month Celebration at the Regional Training Center in Bayaoas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan with lectures on the salient features of the Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) and Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA7877). PNP Capt. Ria F. Tacderan, Chief of the Provincial Family Juvenile Gender and Development (FJGAD) and Public Information Officer was the lone resource speaker of the 76 participants from the NIA Regional Office. The activity is part of the NIA GAD program under the auspices of the Administrative and Finance Division (AFD) headed by Manager Vanessa C. Moulic.

NIA R1 ENDS NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION IN STYLE

ORIENTATION ON FISA IRR

Women’s Month

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In an attempt to cushion the ill-effects of El Nino phenomenon this year, NIA R1 officials embarked on capability enhancement training programs which aim to provide adequate knowledge and skills to farmer-clientele in managing irrigation systems and facilities more efficiently. Thirty participants representing Turnout Service Area Group (TSAG) officers from United Calle, Dekalidad Oraan, Oraan West Mermer and Mabasan (from the municipality of Manaoag), Dacasileca (Laoac) and New Ulopan Farmers of Leet (Sta. Barbara) comprised the third batch to undergo special briefing from March 7-9, 2019 at the NIA Regional Training Center in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. The three-day seminar covers practical methods of Cropping Calendar and Pattern of Planting (CCPP) preparation, efficient water delivery and distribution (WDD) system, controlled irrigation measures and proper maintenance of irrigation facilities & structures. In a related media interview, Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo answered questions from the media concerning the ill-effect of El Nino in agriculture. He said that the dry spell has minimal consequence on farming activities in the region particularly in Pangasinan. Wilson Lopez, Project Manager of Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project (LARISIP) also affirmed in the same interview that most part of the region remain unhampered by El Nino due to proactive measures being undertaken by the agency.

NIA LECTURES PANGASINAN FARMERS ON EL NIÑO

Engr. Agapito C. Yamat of Agno RIS briefs the farmers concerning plans and strategies to mitigate this year’s El Nino effect in irrigation development farming activities.

MOA TO DETER QUARRYINGThe follow up dialogue intended to regulate quarrying operations in the province was convened at the Conference Room, Malong Bldg., Provincial Capitol Compound in Lingayen, Pangasinan during the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) coordination m e e t i n g . P I M O M a n a g e r Gaudencio M. De Vera reiterated NIA’s position that quarrying activities should be regulated to ascertain that government projects such as the multi-million rehabilitation of the Binday Dam in San Fabian Pangasinan will not be hampered. “Once it is completed, the project is expected to benefit some 5,000

farmers from the municipalities of San Jacinto, Manaoag and San Fabian.” De Vera said. Carlos A. Tayag, Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau who presided the meeting affirmed the existence of illegal quarrying in the province. He suggested that in order to effectively regulate quarrying, a memorandum of agreement will be signed by concerned government agencies. It was averred that the agreement should contain the specific roles of participating agencies relative to quarrying. In December last year, the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) initited the first dialogue through a stakeholders forum held at the Trish Hotel in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

Lingayen, Pangasinan

The inter-agency meeting precided by Regional Director Carlos A. Tayag of the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB)was attended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public Works and Highways, LGU representatives and NIA R1 officials last January 25, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING

PAIS HOLDS NWRP IN PANGASINAN

The Public Affairs and Information Staff (PAIS) of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) successfully conducted its 2019 National Review and Planning Workshop (NRPW) at the Kabaleyan Cove Resort, San Carlos City, Pangasinan. This year’s PAIS conference jump started with the 4-point Agenda of Administrator Ricardo R Visaya which was expounded by PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez. A total of 62 participants composed of NIA officials, Lay-out artists, Photographers and other PR personnel of the agency finalized their respective regional Communication Plan (ComPlan). Host Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo, Ph.D. delivered his welcome address to the participants who came from all over the country for the annual NRPW slated from February 4 to 7, 2019.

INFRA SECOM OKAYS INIP (Phase 2)The Sectoral Committee on Infrastructure and Utilities (Infra SeCom) under the auspices of Regional Development Council (RDC) Ilocos Region held its 1st Quarter Regular Meeting on March 6, 2019 at the Conference Room, DPWH Regional Office 1 in San Fernando City, La Union. One of the main agenda is the 22.68B Ilocos Norte Irrigation Project (INIP) which aims to increase agricultural production by providing dependable irrigation supply, generation of hydropower, enhancement of flood mitigation measures and other incidental benefits such as agro-tourism. NIA R1 EOD Manager Leonila G. fernandez said that INIP will ensure to supply the deficiency in irrigation water

requirement during the dry season of five national irrigation system (NIS), namely Labugaon, Solsona, Madongan, Papa and Nueva Era which cover a total of 3,572 hectares under Stage 1 Area. Provision of year-round irrigation to additional 11,100 hectares in the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur will be the main goal under the Stage 2 Area.

1. Eradicate graft and corruption.2. Institute measures to improve

delivery of services, such as but not limited to, moderni-zation of equipment foroperation and project implementation.

3.Strengthen NIA organization.4. Develop human resources and

improve their capabilities.

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

the procedures in the disposition of sexual harassment cases. In the afternoon, a wellness cum pampering activity was laid out for the employees. The wellness activity offered free foot spa with pedicure and manicure and free body massage which the employees availed and enjoyed. The culminating program was spearheaded by Ms. Vanessa C. Moulic, the Division Manager of the Administrative and Finance Division (AFD) of the region.

Random Impressions...from page 2

The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The key to renewed appropriation of these practices is to see their link to baptismal renewal. Prayer: More time given to prayer during Lent should draw us closer to the Lord. We might pray for all those who will celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation with us during Lent that they will be truly renewed in their baptismal commitment. Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing to God.

Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering. Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals.

Michael E.D. Koenig defined KM as a “discipline that promotes an integrated approach to identifying, capturing, evaluating, retrieving, and sharing all of an enterprise's information assets.” These assets may include databases, documents, policies, procedures, and previously un-captured expertise and experience in individual workers. Knowledge management efforts typically focus on organizational objectives such as improved performance, competitive advantage, innovation, the sharing of lessons learned, integration and continuous improvement of the organization.These efforts overlap with organizational learning and may be distinguished from that by a greater focus on the management of knowledge as a strategic asset and on encouraging the sharing of knowledge. KM, therefore, is an enabler of organizational learning that is timely and relevant in the implementation of NIA’s SPMS which was recently approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). There are three important reasons why actively managing knowledge is important in NIA’s SPMS journey: 1.) KM facilitates decision-making capabilities. Data can offer managers a wealth of information from organizational units and such can be shared for quick decision-making. While information overload or needing knowledge from people in other parts of the organization for decision-making

4 5SPECIAL REPORT

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (KM) APPLIED IN SPMSAre we ready to actively manage knowledge in NIA R1? Our decision makers here (include RM down to section chiefs) are bombarded with constant stream of data every day. This overload of data to respond with various reportorial requirements for the ISO certification program and the installation of Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), for instance, is making knowledge management (KM) increasingly more important. But before we go any step further, let us first define Knowledge Management (KM).

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NIA R1 successfully conducted its first Organizational Knowledge Seminar and Workshop held on March 22 and March 25, 2019 at the NIA Conference Room, Bayaoas Urdaneta City. The agency under the leadership of RM Vicente R. Vicmudo is undergoing organizational strengthening in pursuit of its ISO certification program. The 2-day management activity which was initiated by the Knowledge Management (KM) Committee covered various topics which include Strategic Planning, Knowledge Management, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Employees (RA 6713), Status of Irrigation Development, Institutional Development Program, “Ease of Doing Business” (RA 11032) and Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS). The seminar yielded a total of 51 graduates (first batch) composed of NIA R1 officials and employees . Management intends to require all NIA employees in the region to undergo the same capability building program within the second quarter of this year.

ISO READINESS AUDIT STIRS NIA R1

NIA R1 underwent a grueling International Organization Standard (ISO) Readiness Assessment from representatives of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) on March 14 and 15, 2019 at the NIA Regional Training Center, Bayaoas, Urdaneta City. The management exercise is in preparation for the impending ISO audit from a third party in May this year, the mock audit provided opportunity for NIA process owners to apprise the auditors about their knowledge on specific office policies, guidelines and procedures. The auditors who also made rounds to inspect the working condition of the Regional Office and the adjacent Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) scrutinized every process and means of verification to ensure that NIA R1 conforms with meeting ISO standards. During the culmination of the pre-arranged activity, the auditors presented their findings thoroughly and gave NIA R1 a verdict of "Relatively Passable" for ISO certification.

Farmers... from page 1

top 5 new variet ies of r ice. This year ’s Umaani Expo which aims to promote agriculture through product demonstrat ions, exhibits, technical and agri-business forum, and other commercial gimmicks was launched on March 11, 2019. In related interview, Pangasinan Irr igation Management Off ice (PIMO) Manager Gaudencio M. De Vera said that a proposal to adjust the schedule of wet crop season this year was presented by the National Irr igation Administrat ion Regional Off ice No. 1 (NIA R1) during the Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting held at the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) off ice in San Manuel, Pangasinan last February 13, 2019. Engr. De Vera explained that an early wet crop schedule season is a preventive measure to avoid unnecessary destruction of crops by modifying the tradit ional pattern of planting in anticipation of the so-cal led “typhoon months” which usually come during the month of October each year. The inter-agency counci l was attended by representatives from PAGASA (Dagupan City), Strategic Power Development Corp (SPDC), Power Sector Assets and Liabi l i t ies Management Corp (PSALM), National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB), National Power Corporation (NPC), SRPC and NIA R1.

KNOWLEDGE... from page 4

can handicap managers, putting in place knowledge management systems can facilitate better, more informed decisions. 2.) KM builds organizations by making learning routine. In his book entitled, Learning in Action: A Guide to Putting the Learning Organization to Work, author David Garvin wrote, “To move ahead, one must often first look behind”. After Action Reviews (AARs) and Knowledge Cafe are good examples of KM tools that would help NIA R1 implement its newly-approved SPMS. The AAR in particular has created a culture in many organizations where everyone continuously assesses themselves, their units, and their organization, looking for ways to improve individual and team performances. After every important activity or event, supervisors review assignments, identify successes and failures, and seek ways to perform better the next time. This approach to capturing learning from experience builds knowledge that can be used to streamline operations and improve processes. 3.) KM stimulates cultural change and innovation. Actively managing organizational knowledge can stimulate cultural change and innovation by encouraging the free flow of ideas. Piloting the SPMS to selected units in NIA R1 can lead to several focused workshops that would facilitate the conveying of latest knowledge to internal stakeholders. Moreover, the process also “open up dialogues, instill corporate values, and stimulate cultural change” (Garvin, 2000, p. 125). In this complex office environment, knowledge management programs can help decision-makers embrace change and encourage ideas and insight, which often lead to innovation.

NIA R1 Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo reacts during the mock ISO audit conducted by representatives of the Development Academy of the Philippines.

by: Oscar S. Navata

Regional Manager Vicente R. Vicmudo provides information during media interview on irrigation development in Region 1 in the advent of this year's El Nino phenomenon as declared by PAGASA. Meanwhile, a proposal to consider an early wet crop planting season was presented during the Inter-Agency coordination Meeting held at the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) office in San Manuel, Pangasinan last February 13, 2019. NIA PIMO Manager Gaudencio M. De Vera averred that unnecessary destruction of crops can be avoided by modifying the traditional pattern of planting in anticipation of the so-called “typhoon months” which usually start in October.