In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to maximize water resources potential without undermining irrigation commitments, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Thursday, revolutionizing the province’s utilization of water resources.
Representing the province, Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla signed the MOA with NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen, with Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra witnessing the event held at the Presidential Guest House in Malacañang.
The MOA formalized the agreement reassigning existing water rights, optimizing the use of excess water without compromising the essential irrigation needs of the agricultural sector.
Under the MOA, the Provincial Government of Cavite will work in tandem with NIA to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of water resources, aimed at aligning with existing laws on water management and utilization, emphasizing conservation and protection to meet the provincial government’s evolving water needs.
As part of the strategic initiative, NIA’s excess irrigation water will now serve and prioritize municipal use, with the reallocation of water resources contributing not only to the province’s overall well-being but also to the agency’s economic growth and revenue generation.
Proponents said this strategic move is aligned with the government’s commitment to harness water resources for diverse purposes, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of the province.
The collaboration between NIA and the Provincial Government of Cavite marks a pivotal moment in the efforts of President Marcos to maximize the potential of the country’s water resources.
The MOA also signifies a crucial step forward in the pursuit of water security and sustainable resource management, aligning with the goals outlined in Executive Order (EO) No. 22, series of 2023, and the signed MOA between NIA, National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO).
Speaking during the event, Remulla said that he has been in public service for 28 years and his observation is that nothing comes easy in the Philippines. He described the current administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as conclusive.
He said that the conclusion of the water agreement shows that the government is finally moving forward always to the right direction.
“The biggest 1.2 million households are in need of 24/7 supply of water. This agreement ensures that our growth is continued, that our industry continues. What is good for Cavite is good for the country,” Remulla said.
For his part, Guillen said that repurposing NIA’s water rights into a multipurpose one would be beneficial to the agency particularly in boosting its additional non-irrigation revenues.
“Ito po ay una, malaking tulong din ito sa NIA kasi nga po ay kailangan din ng NIA ng additional revenues na ‘yung non-irrigation revenues para makatulong sa lalong pagpapaganda ng irigasyon natin,” NIA chief said.
“At, of course, 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. Ngayon, magagamit po ito ngayon sa mabuting paraan at marami pong makikinabang.”
Guevarra, for his part, said that the MOA signing is among the steps that the government is undertaking, which are aligned with President Marcos’ call for food and water security as he urged the Filipino people to support the initiative. PND
