Cavite, NIA ink efficient water resources use agreement

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to “revolutionize” the province’s utilization of water resources.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the signing, which took place at the Presidential Guest House in Malacañan on Dec. 7, was in line with President Marcos’ thrust to maximize water resources potential without undermining irrigation commitments.

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla and NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen signed the MOA while Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra witnessed it.

The MOA formalized the agreement, reassigning existing water rights and 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 with the NIA to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of water resources to comply with water management and utilization laws while conserving and protecting water to meet the provincial government’s evolving needs.

As part of the strategic initiative, the NIA’s excess irrigation water will serve and prioritize municipal use, with the reallocation of water resources contributing to the province’s overall well-being and the agency’s economic growth and revenue generation.

“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 PCO said.

During the event, Remulla said that while nothing comes easy in the Philippines, he described the current Marcos administration as conclusive.

He said the conclusion of the water agreement shows that the government was finally moving in the right direction.

“The biggest 1.2 million households are in need of a 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 repurposing the NIA’s water rights would boost its additional non-irrigation revenues.