PILA, LAGUNA– In alignment with the continuing direction of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the NIA Region IV-A successfully executed its Turnover of Regional Leadership in a momentous event held in Pila, Laguna.
Presided by NIA Sr. Deputy Administrator Engr. Robert Suguitan, the ceremony marked an important transition for the Agency in line with Memorandum Circular Nos. 130 and 131 series of 2023, which entail the reassignment and designation of key personnel.
Outgoing NIA IV-A Manager, Engr. Wilson Lopez, gracefully handed over the mantle of leadership to the Incoming Region IV-A Manager, Engr. Roberto Dela Cruz. Prior to his appointment as the new Region IV-A Manager, Engr. Dela Cruz notably served as the Regional Manager of NIA Region 5, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
In his capacity as the newly designated Project Manager of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform – Irrigation Component (CARP-IC) Project Management Office (PMO), Engr. Lopez embarks on a new chapter in his career, stepping into the shoes of Engr. Wilhelm Tiangco. Before assuming his current position, Engr. Lopez served as the Regional Manager of Region IV-A and Region 7 and the Project Manager of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project (LARISIP).
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa trust and confidence na patuloy pa rin na ibinibigay sa atin ng Top Management. Hindi na bago para sa atin ang ganitong aktibidad sa ating ahensya, nakikita natin na isa itong paraan ng ating Top Management para mas ma-improve ang ating mga Managers maging ang ating opisina.”, he expressed.
The new Regional Manager Engr. Dela Cruz, in his message, solicits the support of NIA IV-A to continuously serve the Filipino farmers in the CALABARZON region. RM Dela Cruz is a known expert and veteran in the Operations Sector having served as the Chief of the Operations Section of NIA Region 3 and was promoted to the Principal Engineer of the Operations and Maintenance Section of Bulacan-Aurora-Nueva Ecija (BANE) IMO.
RM Dela Cruz held key positions in NIA Region 3 including Chief of Pampanga Delta River Irrigation System (RIS), known as the best-maintained irrigation system in Region 3. He is a consistent high performer which is why he became the Engineering and Operations Division Manager of NIA Region 3 and later IMO Manager of BANE IMO before heading to NIA Region 5 as its Regional Manager.
“Yung experience ko sa Region 5 ay masasabi ko na unang beses na lumabas ako sa aking comfort zone for so many years na naglingkod ako sa Region 3 sa iba’t-ibang capacity. Kaya naman, sa paglipat ko dito sa Region 4A I will continue to remain focus on the task na pinagkatiwala sa akin ng management”, he added.
SDA Suguitan expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the newly appointed leadership, underscoring their commitment and dedication to promoting the NIA’s vision of efficient and effective irrigation systems that would foster agricultural growth and improve the well-being of Filipino farmers.
“Kahit saan ka mapunta, basta alam mo na prepared ka, hindi ka dapat magalala. Inaasahan naming na patuloy kayong makikiisa sa Food Security thrust na isinusulong ngayon ng pamahalaan. Let’s all give the best that we can”, he said.
The Turnover of Regional Leadership signifies the NIA’s dedication to optimizing its human resources and strategic leadership placements, ultimately working towards the fulfillment of its vital mandate in supporting the country’s agricultural landscape.
