NIA signs agreements on renewable energy, water rights

MANILA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) yesterday signed two agreements with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the provincial government of Cavite seeking efficient use of the country’s water resources.

The agreement with the DOE will allow the use of irrigation facilities for renewable energy in line with the Marcos administration’s goal to generate 35 percent of power from renewable energy sources by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

The agreement with the Cavite provincial government formalized an agreement reassigning existing water rights and optimizing the use of excess water without sacrificing the irrigation needs of the agricultural sector.

Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the agreement between the DOE and NIA would generate power for irrigation and communities while protecting the assets of the two agencies.

NIA administrator Eduardo Guillen said the agreement is an offshoot of repurposing water rights into multi-purpose use.

The agreement is in line with the water security aims of Executive Order 22, which established the Water Resources Management Office last year.

Guillen and Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla signed NIA’s agreement with the provincial government also at the Presidential Guest House. Under the agreement, the provincial government will work with the irrigation agency to ensure responsible and sustainable use of water resources and emphasize conservation and protection to meet evolving water needs.