The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (NIA) is a government-owned and controlled corporation created by Republic Act (RA) No. 3601 on June 22, 1963. With an initial capitalization of 30M, it absorbed and took over the functions of the Bureau of Public Work’s Irrigation Division which was then in charge of irrigation development in the country. On September 11, 1974, RA No. 3601 was amended by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 552, the primary aim of which is to construct, operate and maintain national irrigation systems throughout the Philippines. This increased the agency’s capitalization of 2B resulting in the expansion of irrigation development program in the 70s.
NIA was created to achieve optimal and diversified utilization of water through integrated irrigation projects. It hopes to bring about the “Irrigation Age” – a period when the maximum number of unirrigated farmlands in the country will be placed under irrigation for maximum crop productivity, thus ensuring adequate food supply for the Filipinos.
Over the years NIA has gained prominence in the irrigation industry. Since its creation, NIA proved that it can withstand the test of time. It continues to pursue its commitment to irrigate potential areas in the countryside, thus, earning a reputation worthy of emulation. NIA’s accomplishments promise our country of becoming the agricultural bastion of Asia. With the support it is receiving from the government and its stakeholders, NIA will, undoubtedly, be at its helm as the country’s exponent in irrigation development, thereby intensifying revenue generation for the government and maintaining its corporate viability.
NIA has introduced several reforms to further improve its operation and sustain its growth. At present, NIA supports President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s vision of rice self-sufficiency with the implementation of the 9.5 Billion worth of priority irrigation project.