The President giving his message.
CABANATUAN CITY – The Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS), which supplies irrigation to farmlands in Nueva Ecija and other parts of Central Luzon, was named Integrated Irrigation System of the year, during the livestreamed celebration of the National Irrigation Administration’s 57th anniversary on Monday.
Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote, NIA-UPRIIS department manager, said the anniversary was celebrated by diff erent NIA offices nationwide with speakers and guests, including President Duterte conveying their messages via pre-recorded video on-line as the agency abides by the health protocols being imposed by the inter- agency task force.
In her message, Bote acknowledged “the contribution of each and every member of the UPRIIS family” in its 2019 achievement.
“The concerted efforts of all the employees from the three staff and six irrigation division offices of UPRIIS in Nueva Ecija had greatly contributed to the attainment of this most coveted title,” Bote said in a statement, to the delight officials and employees.
Adding to the excitement of UPRIIS attendees were the awards received by former engineering and operations division manager in 2019, and now the acting Division II manager Alvin L. Manuel, Sr. for the Field Office-Based Best Division Manager on Technical Services, and UPRIIS Division II as the Integrated Irrigation Systems Division Office of the Year CY 2019.
Following the Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Larry Saraon, was a program via simultaneous viewing of a pre-recorded anniversary video joined by the central and field offices nationwide.
Among the speakers were NIA administrator Ricardo R. Visaya. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles and Senator Cynthia A. Villar also gave “meaningful messages for the agency.”
In between the speeches were the diff erent NIA offices’ ”Happy 57th Anniversary, Tuloy Ang Daloy NIA” greetings spiced up with tik-tok dance moves and other gimmicks.
It can be recalled that UPRIIS received this same award in 2017 when UPRIIS was still manned by former department manager Florentino R. David who recently retired from public service. “Winning back the title inspired UPRIIS to sustain performance at its best in rendering quality service for its clientele,” the UPRIIS added.
Duterte, as guest of honor and speaker, underscored the need for everyone to work for a better life and brighter future for every Filipino as he pressed for “bayanihan and pagmamalasakit.”
This, the chief executive said, comes in a crucial time as the country deals with the coronavirus pandemic as he noted the NIA’s theme on resiliency and innovation.
