NIA-UPRIIS department manager Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote plants her own Palawan cherry blossoms tree. Contributed photo
PANTABANGAN, Nueva Ecija – Empowered women will continue to strive to make this world a better place to live, a ranking irrigation official said Wednesday.
This, as employees of the National Irrigation Administration-Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System, led by department manager Engr. Rosalinda Bote, planted trees at the watershed adjacent to the Pantabangan Lake Resort and Hotel and the saddle dam area in time for the celebration of women’s month.
“It has always been my desire to involve all UPRIIS employees in tree planting programs of the office in its existing watershed areas in Pantabangan and Macanae (Lupao) Dams, and in the recently completed Upper Tabuating Dam (Gen. Tinio). And this women’s month Celebration is one great opportunity to engage every Juana in the head office to plant a tree, this time here in Pantabangan Dam,” Bote said.
Fifty-one seedlings of Palawan cherry blossoms and 28 Philippine teak trees were planted by UPRIIS head office “Juanas” in coordination with the watershed management section of UPRIIS dam and reservoir division.
The official expressed adherence to the agency’s commitment in conserving the environment through efficient, effective and sustainable management of irrigation systems. “UPRIIS strongly pursues the implementation of programs and activities towards the protection and maintenance of NIA watershed and reservoir,” Bote said.
While the Juanas took part in a cause-oriented activity this women’s month, the UPRIIS also paid tribute to its “wonder Juana” leaders by awarding them with wonder woman-inspired plaques to honor and recognize them as empowered women and forerunners of change in the irrigation service-oriented sector.
The rank–and–file female employees were also given tokens for their “similarly outstanding performance of duties and unparalleled support to the management.” They were also extended free health check tests and treats, according to the public information office.
NIA UPRIIS women’s month celebration is in line with this year’s campaign, “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!” and in the multi-year theme, “We Make Change Work for Women,” that is aimed to engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services. UPRIIS plight in the Covid-19 pandemic has timely aligned as well with the International Women’s Day theme, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world.”
