NIA -UPRIIS

Murcon Dam is one of the oldest irrigation structures under NIA UPRIIS Division II. Built in 1954, this concrete barrage-type dam stands 9.25 meters high and 42.26 meters wide in Barangay Minabuyok, Talavera, Nueva Ecija.

For over 70 years, it has been supplying water to rice farmers through the Murcon Creek Irrigation System, covering 4,533.43 hectares of farmland and serving 3,374 farmers across Gen. Mamerto Natividad (103.60 ha), Talavera (2,237.08 ha), Cabanatuan City (317.82 ha), and Aliaga (1,874.93 ha).

Aside from irrigation, the dam also helps control flooding in nearby communities during heavy rains. When water runs low in dry months, releases from Pantabangan Dam help keep the fields irrigated.

Small as it is, Murcon Dam has made a big difference for the farmers of Nueva Ecija for generations.


sa

The NIA UPRIIS Division V, in collaboration with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), conducted a two-day training on Soil Sampling Analysis and Fertilizer Recommendation on June 18-19, 2026 for Irrigators' Association Presidents and Board of Trustees.

The training was led by Engr. Roberto Q. Matias, NIA UPRIIS Division V Manager, Engr. Jobo Lee P. Toribio, Operations Unit Head, and Ms. Nariza E. Aquino, Institutional Development Unit Head. Resource speakers from BSWM included Juniriza G. Tayaban, Alvin Brylle C. Conception, Dionisio B. Amarile III, Anito M. Tisado Jr., and Christine Joy Lasola.

Topics discussed included the Soil as a Medium for Plant Growth, Nutrient Deficiency Identification and Management, Soil Test Kit (STK) Utilization, Fertilizer Recommendation, and Basic Fertilizer Computation. Participants also took part in a workshop and practical exercise on fertilizer recommendation, where they learned how to interpret soil test results and identify nutrient deficiencies based on soil analysis findings. Through guided exercises, participants assessed soil nutrient status and determined the appropriate nutrients needed by crops to address deficiencies and support optimal growth.

The training aimed to equip IA leaders with practical knowledge and skills that can help improve crop productivity, optimize fertilizer use, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in irrigated areas.

sa

Did You Know?

The MTG Pliviriscaf Irrigators’ Association holds the distinction of being the first Irrigators’ Association (IA) to receive the Most Outstanding IA Award from NIA UPRIIS. Its remarkable achievements and dedication to serving its farmer-members have made it a model organization within the irrigation sector.

MTG Pliviriscaf IA was recognized as First Runner-Up in 2009 and went on to earn the Most Outstanding IA Award under the National Irrigation System (NIS) Category for three consecutive years, from 2010 to 2012. In recognition of its sustained excellence and outstanding performance, the association was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Adding to its list of accomplishments, MTG Pliviriscaf IA was also honored with the prestigious Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Award in 2011, highlighting its significant contribution to agricultural productivity and rural development.


sa

Flovenbar IA and ATOM IA Participate in Brigada Eskwela 2026

As part of their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), two of the top-performing Irrigators Associations (IAs) under the National Irrigation Administration Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (NIA-UPRIIS) Division I, led by Division Manager Engr. Aldous Joseph S. Lamucho, actively participated in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela 2026.

On June 1, 2026, the ATOM Irrigators Association (IA), Inc., headed by IA President Mr. Robert Salting, joined the Brigada Eskwela activities in San Jose City. Members of the association participated in the cleanup and preparation of school grounds to help ensure a safe, clean, and conducive learning environment in three schools: Tondod Elementary School, A. Pascual Elementary School, and Maragol Elementary School.

Meanwhile, on June 15, 2026, the Flovenbar Irrigators Association (IA), Inc., led by IA President Mr. Fernando Tomas, participated in Brigada Eskwela activities in Llanera, Nueva Ecija. The association extended its support to seven educational institutions, namely: Florida Blanca Elementary School, Florida Blanca Day Care Center, Villa Viniegas Elementary School, Villa Viniegas Day Care Center, Sta. Barbara Elementary School, Sta. Barbara Day Care Center, and Sta. Barbara Integrated School.

In addition to volunteer services, the associations provided various forms of assistance to the schools. ATOM IA donated school and office supplies, while Flovenbar IA contributed cleaning materials and construction tools to support the repair, maintenance, and improvement of school facilities, including wall fans and office fixtures.

This initiative, fully supported by NIA-UPRIIS Acting Department Manager, Engr. Alvin L. Manuel, reflects the strong commitment of the Irrigators Associations to community development and their continued support for the education and well-being of children in irrigation communities. Through their participation in Brigada Eskwela, the associations demonstrate their belief that today's learners are the future stewards and leaders of their communities.

sa

Empowering Division I New Irrigators Association Officers through Leadership and Values Enhancement Training

To strengthen leadership skills and instill core values among Irrigators Association (IA) officers, NIA-UPRIIS Division I, under the leadership of Division Manager Engr. Aldous Joseph S. Lamucho, conducted a two-day Leadership and Values Enhancement Training in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

The training focused on strengthening the irrigation community by enhancing participants' understanding of the vital roles and responsibilities of Irrigators Associations in irrigation operation and maintenance. It also highlighted the values of living, loving, and serving as IA leaders, encouraging officers to lead with dedication, integrity, and compassion in serving their associations and fellow farmers.

As part of the activity, the participants visited Pantabangan Dam to gain a deeper appreciation of their primary water source. The firsthand experience helped reinforce the importance of the dam in sustaining agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of farming communities.

Through this initiative, NIA-UPRIIS Division I continues to empower IA leaders by equipping them with the knowledge, values, and leadership competencies necessary to effectively fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to the sustainable development of their associations and communities.

sa

June 22 marks the Founding Anniversary of NIA. In celebration of the Agency's 63 years of service, sixteen newly promoted employees from the Head Office and Division Offices of the NIA Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS) took their oath of office before UPRIIS Acting Department Manager, Engr. Alvin L. Manuel during the Flag Raising Ceremony held earlier this day.

Despite the work-from-home arrangement observed on this day, NIA UPRIIS proceeded with the conduct of the oath-taking ceremony in recognition of this important milestone in the employees' careers.

The UPRIIS Head Office also recognized sixteen Loyalty Awardees who have rendered 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of dedicated public service in delivering irrigation services to Filipino farmers and other stakeholders.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the Head Office likewise held a Family Day activity under its employee welfare and development program, with the support of the NIA Employees Association for Solidarity and Progress - UPRIIS Chapter. Through various games and team-building activities, the event promoted camaraderie and teamwork among employees. It also served as an opportunity to boost employee morale and foster a harmonious work environment, inspiring its personnel to continue delivering quality public service with enthusiasm.

sa

Ipinagdiriwang ng NIA ang ika-63 taon ng patubig na nagbigay-buhay sa milyun-milyong ektarya ng sakahan at naghatid ng pag-unlad sa agrikultura. Sa paglipas ng mga taon, lumawak ang abot ng irigasyon at mas tumibay ang ng NIA para sa mga magsasaka, habang pinalalakas ng makabagong teknolohiya ang matalinong pamamahala ng tubig.

Mananatiling nakatuon ang NIA sa paghahatid ng dekalidad na serbisyo at sa pagbuo ng mas masaganang . Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay patunay ng patuloy na daloy ng progreso para sa sambayanang Pilipino.

Penaranda Irrigators Association (PIA), Inc. was established on October 10, 1982, and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 27, 2012. Located in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija, the association serves 170 farmer-members across three barangays namely, Sto. Tomas, Poblacion, and San Jose, covering 264.844 hectares of service area irrigated through pump systems.

A major turning point came in 2007 under the leadership of Penaranda IA President Mr. Jaime B. Reyes, whose commitment to transparency and good governance helped strengthen the organization. Through capacity-building programs from NIA and support from the Department of Agriculture, PIA improved its management and acquired various agricultural machinery and facilities. In 2019, the Penaranda IA was recognized as the Best IA of UPRIIS Division IV and Most Outstanding IA for the NIS Category. These achievements earned the association several recognitions, including awards in the Rice Achievers program and participation in the Modified Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) Program, further enhancing its financial stability and operational efficiency.

Today, PIA has grown into one of the most successful Irrigators Associations in UPRIIS, with a net worth of around ₱7 million and sustainable income-generating projects that benefit its members. In addition, Penaranda Irrigators Association was recently registered as a cooperative last April 15, 2026 under the name of Peñaranda Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative (PEÑIACO), marking a new chapter in its growth and reinforcing its commitment to empowering its farmer-members and promoting sustainable rural development. The association continues to aspire for modern irrigation facilities, expanded agribusiness ventures, and the adoption of water-saving technologies to ensure long-term agricultural productivity.


sa

Effective irrigation management begins with strong and accountable Irrigators' Associations (IAs). The NIA-UPRIIS Division III, under the leadership of Engr. Jayson M. Ibarra, successfully conducted this year's Annual Financial Audit among partner IAs in Zone 1 and Zone 2A, with the audit for Zone 2B currently ongoing.

This year’s audit reflects the Agency’s renewed efforts to strengthen IAs through sound financial management, transparency, and accountability.

Led by the Internal Control Monitoring Unit (ICMU) Committee from the Finance Unit, the activity goes beyond the review of Books of Accounts and financial records. It also provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue with IA Presidents and officers, allowing audit findings to be discussed and understood in a constructive manner.

Through these discussions, IAs receive practical guidance on financial stewardship, asset management, and compliance with established policies. More importantly, through this annual activity, the process helps equip farmer organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their resources effectively and sustain their operations.

Through this annual audit activity, the Agency continues to promote transparency, accountability, and sound financial practices, the Agency continues to empower Irrigators' Associations as capable partners in irrigation management and agricultural development, true to its vision of “NIA at Magsasaka, Magkatuwang sa Ginhawa.”


sa