Zamboanga City and NIA Forge Partnership to Secure Sustainable Water Supply

The Zamboanga City Government and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are collaborating to establish a comprehensive strategy aimed at guaranteeing sustainable and dependable water sources for the city’s future needs. This partnership was solidified during a courtesy visit by NIA-Zambasulta Regional Sub-Office Acting Manager Robert Berni Rada II to Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso on Monday, September 22. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation for the city’s Water Security Plan.

As stated by the NIA-Zambasulta office on September 24, the joint initiative involves key stakeholders including the City Planning and Development Coordinator and the Office of the City Agriculturist. Discussions during the visit centered on the NIA providing technical expertise, project assistance, and institutional collaboration to support the city’s water sustainability goals.

Given the pressures from rapid urbanization and the impacts of climate change, both entities emphasized the critical need for a unified approach to manage water resources efficiently for domestic consumption, agricultural use, and the well-being of future generations. The NIA-Zambasulta office remarked, "This inter-agency effort will map out a comprehensive framework for water-related projects and initiatives."

They further noted that the enhanced partnership represents a vital step toward ensuring that residents of Zamboanga City have access to secure and sustainable water supplies in the years ahead. The meeting also responded to a City Council resolution, initiated by Councilor Joselito Macrohon, which seeks NIA’s technical and institutional support in addressing the city’s pressing water resource challenges.