WATER REALLOCATION. National Irrigation Administration acting administrator Eduardo Guillen (left) and Cavite Governor Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla sign a deal optimizing the use of excess water without compromising the essential irrigation needs of the agricultural sector, at a ceremony in Malacañang in Manila on Thusday (Dec. 7, 2023). Under the terms of the deal, the NIA's excess irrigation water will serve and prioritize municipal use. (Photo from Malacañang Press Corps Pool)
MANILA – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Thursday partnered with the provincial government of Cavite to revolutionize the utilization of water resources for the benefit of the province.
NIA acting administrator Eduardo Guillen and Cavite Governor Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
The MOA seeks to reassign existing water rights, optimizing the use of excess water without compromising the essential irrigation needs of the agricultural sector.
Under the terms of the MOA, the NIA's excess irrigation water will serve and prioritize municipal use.
The NIA and the provincial government of Cavite will work together to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of water resources.
The reallocation of water resources is expected to contribute not only to Cavite’s overall well-being but also to NIA’s economic growth and revenue increase.
Guillen, in a speech after the signing of the MOA, said the partnership is a “big help to the NIA because it also needs additional non-irrigation revenues to help improve the irrigation system in the country."
“Sana itong agreement na ito ay makatulong din sa Cavite kasi alam naman natin na ang Cavite ay kailangan din ng domestic water. At ito naman 'yung excess ng NIA. Sayang naman kung ito ay itatapon lamang natin (I hope this agreement will also help Cavite because we know that Cavite also needs domestic water. And this is the excess of the NIA. It would be a shame if we just throw it away),” he said.
“Ngayon, magagamit po ito ngayon sa mabuting paraan at marami pong makikinabang. Makikinabang ang NIA and of course ang provincial government (Now, it can be used in a good way and many will benefit. the NIA and of course the provincial government will benefit),” Guillen added.
Remulla said the signing of the agreement was an indication that “the government is finally moving forward always to the right direction.”
“Cavite has 1.2 million households which are in desperate need [of] 24/7 supply of water. This agreement ensures that our growth is continued. Yeah, that our industry continues,” he said. “What is good for Cavite is good for the country.”
The collaboration between the NIA and the Cavite provincial government is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to maximize the potential of water resources.
Also present during the event was Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Dominic Guevarra. (PNA)
