With the conclusion of the 2025 dry cropping season and the completion of the first semester, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region VII conducted a Mid-Year Review and Planning Workshop for its Irrigation Systems' Operation and Maintenance and Institutional Development Programs on July 14–18, 2025, at the NIA Region VII Central Visayas Training Center (CVTC) in Dao District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The event brought together field implementers and technical personnel from the Regional Office, Bohol-Cebu-Siquijor Irrigation Management Office, Negros Oriental Satellite Office, and the Bohol Integrated Irrigation System/Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in a proactive effort to boost irrigation service delivery and strengthen institutional performance.
The review focused on assessing the accomplishments during the first semester of 2025 and addressing issues to resolve gaps through catch-up planning. It served as a venue to reflect on implementation strategies, determine enablers and bottlenecks, and align future efforts with the agency’s year-end goals.
Guided by a set of comprehensive objectives, the workshop aimed to measure IDP accomplishments per office, assess the ongoing implementation of the Double Dry Cropping Scheme, and formulate a coordinated action plan between Operations and Institutional Development Units. The assessments also includes looking into the significant contribution of the equipment sector in achieving IS operation and maintenance targets. An-depth discussions on the key areas mentioned will allow staff to share best practices and innovations in both institutional work and operations and maintenance of irrigation systems.
The activity was led by Engr. Maria Donesa A. Autida, Acting Section Chief of the Operations, Institutional Development, and Equipment Management Section (OIDEMS), alongside Felipa C. Dañoso, Regional Institutional Development Unit Head; Engr. Maria Donah A. Laguarte, Operations Unit Head; and Anthony A. Alonzo, Equipment Management Unit Head.
Further, the workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration with other government agencies in implementing support programs for irrigators, emphasizing inter-agency convergence as a strategy for inclusive rural development. With a closely monitored implementation of key strategies and activities for the second semester of CY 2025, NIA Region VII remains focused on delivering its mandate with greater efficiency, innovation, and accountability.