Submitted by admin-r4b on
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) MIMAROPA, through its Operations, Institutional, and Equipment Section, with support from the Irrigation Engineering Center (IEC) of the Central Office, concluded on July 4, 2025, a five-day comprehensive training on the Operation and Maintenance of Reservoir Dams. The training, held in Puerto Princesa City from June 30 to July 4, was conducted under the directives of Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio M. Cervantes and Engineering and Operations Division Manager Engr. Lowell L. Lozano.
This initiative forms part of NIA MIMAROPA’s efforts to enhance its technical capability in managing reservoir-based irrigation systems, particularly as the region completes its first embankment dam—the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP)—with two more SRIPs underway. The training equipped participants with essential knowledge on dam types, appurtenant structures, and safety protocols, including discharge and flood warning operations. It also strengthened their competence in monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining telemetry systems to ensure the efficient, safe, and sustainable operation of these critical irrigation infrastructures.
To reinforce learning, participants, together with the resource persons, conducted an onsite exposure visit to the Ibato-Iraan SRIP. This firsthand experience allowed them to better appreciate the technical discussions and apply theoretical knowledge to actual dam structures and operational features.
Topics and Resource Speakers:
Introduction to Dam Design, Types, Appurtenant Structures, Functions, and Dam Safety Guidelines (MC No. 111, s. 2019), including Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams (SEED) – Engr. Ariel S. Najera, Acting Manager, Design & Specifications Division
Dam Operation Protocols, Instrumentation, and Flood Forecasting/Warning Systems – Carlo Ablan, Manager, Magat River Integrated Irrigation System – Dam and Reservoir Division (NIA-MARIIS DRD)
Operation and Maintenance Process Flow (Talibon SRIP, Region VII) – Felix L. Guioguio, Senior Irrigators’ Development Officer, Bohol Integrated Irrigation System
O&M Process Flow for Malinao Irrigation System – Aproniano Anora, Hydrologist, BIIS Region VII
Preparation of O&M Manual (per MC No. 111, s. 2019) – Roald Marck J. Revellame, Acting Manager, Project Planning Division, Central Office
Assessment of Dam Condition Facilities using the Dam Risk Management Decision Support Tool (DARMA Project) – Dr. Erica Elice S. Uy, Project Leader
Participants included selected operations and maintenance personnel, hydrologists, and project designers from the NIA Central Office, MIMAROPA Regional Office, and its three Irrigation Management Offices. The IEC served as the training facilitator. -Engr. Ave Jane V. Alvarado, IDU Head