By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have signed an agreement for the management and development of 143 watersheds that support irrigation systems nationwide.
NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya (seated left) ang DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (seated right). (Photo courtesy of National Irrigation Administration)
The signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was led by NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.
In coordination with DENR’s Forest Management Bureau, under the MOA, NIA will be tasked to identify and recommend priority watersheds and reservations supporting irrigation projects, which require immediate rehabilitation and development.
NIA will also secure appropriate environment clearances and permits from the DENR/field offices as necessary for the protection of watersheds and reservations.
Moreover, it should recommend qualified NIA field personnel to be deputized by the DENR as environment and natural resources officers, in accordance with the existing forestry laws, rules, and regulations.
In this regard, NIA will assist the DENR in the preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plans and programs related to the management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of such watersheds and reservations.
The MOA also provides that the DENR and NIA will have joint undertakings in enforcing forestry laws, conducting census management, controlling watershed communities, and sharing available watershed information that would enhance watershed capabilities of all parties.
In coordination with other concerned agencies and institutions, the information, education, and communication campaigns, studies, and research and development on watershed technology generation and application must be conducted.
Correspondingly, the mechanism for sourcing of funds from international and local funding institutions for the development and rehabilitation, including maintenance of identified priority watersheds and reservations.
NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya (seated left) ang DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (seated right). (Photo courtesy of National Irrigation Administration)
The signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was led by NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.
In coordination with DENR’s Forest Management Bureau, under the MOA, NIA will be tasked to identify and recommend priority watersheds and reservations supporting irrigation projects, which require immediate rehabilitation and development.
NIA will also secure appropriate environment clearances and permits from the DENR/field offices as necessary for the protection of watersheds and reservations.
Moreover, it should recommend qualified NIA field personnel to be deputized by the DENR as environment and natural resources officers, in accordance with the existing forestry laws, rules, and regulations.
In this regard, NIA will assist the DENR in the preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plans and programs related to the management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of such watersheds and reservations.
The MOA also provides that the DENR and NIA will have joint undertakings in enforcing forestry laws, conducting census management, controlling watershed communities, and sharing available watershed information that would enhance watershed capabilities of all parties.
In coordination with other concerned agencies and institutions, the information, education, and communication campaigns, studies, and research and development on watershed technology generation and application must be conducted.
Correspondingly, the mechanism for sourcing of funds from international and local funding institutions for the development and rehabilitation, including maintenance of identified priority watersheds and reservations.