Irrigators Associations, Inc.
National
Confederation of
Our
Journey
October 13, 1997
Establishment and Registration
The National Confederation of Irrigators Association (NCIA), Inc. was formally established on October 13, 1997, and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Registration No. A1997-19312.
Formed as a non-stock, non-profit organization, NCIA was created to serve as the national umbrella organization of Irrigators Associations (IAs) across the Philippines. Its founding brought together 11,043 Irrigators' Associations operating within the service areas of both National and Communal Irrigation Systems.
Key Accomplishments:
-
Unified thousands of Irrigators Associations under one national body
-
Established a formal governance structure for irrigators nationwide
-
Strengthened representation of farmers in irrigation-related concerns
lATE 1990s
Early Organizational Strengthening
Following its establishment, NCIA focused on consolidating its network and building a strong organizational framework from the grassroots level up to the national level.
Key Accomplishments:
-
Organized Provincial Federations of Irrigators Associations (PFIAs)
-
Established coordination mechanisms between local, provincial, and national levels
-
Initiated programs to improve irrigation management and farmer participation
“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.”
– George Washington
EARLY 2000s
Expansion and Membership Growth
NCIA expanded its reach and influence, growing into a massive network representing 1,277,774 farmer-members nationwide. This period marked the strengthening of its identity as a major agricultural stakeholders’ organization.
Key Accomplishments:
-
Achieved over 1.2 million farmer-members
-
Strengthened collaboration among Irrigators Associations across regions
-
Promoted farmer empowerment in irrigation system management
MID 2000s
To ensure effective coordination across large irrigation systems, NCIA developed a multi-level organizational structure.
Organizational Expansion:
-
81 Provincial Federations of Irrigators Associations (PFIAs)
-
10 Division Federations of Irrigators Associations (FIAs) under major irrigation systems such as MRIIS (Magat River Integrated Irrigation System) and UPRIIS (Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System)
-
15 Regional Confederations of Irrigators Associations (RCIAs)
-
2 Confederations of Irrigators Associations (CIAs) for MARIIS and UPRIIS
Key Accomplishments:
-
Established a clear hierarchical structure for efficient governance
-
Strengthened regional and system-wide coordination
-
Improved communication between irrigators and national agencies
Institutional Development and Structuring
2010s
Advocacy and National Engagement
NCIA continued to evolve into a strong advocate for farmers’ rights and irrigation development, engaging with government agencies and stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture.
Key Accomplishments:
-
Represented irrigators in national consultations and policy discussions
-
Advocated for improved irrigation services and farmer support programs
-
Strengthened partnerships with irrigation authorities and agricultural institutions
2020s
“Farming is a profession of hope”
– George Washington
In recent years, NCIA has maintained its role as a key player in the irrigation sector, ensuring that farmer-members remain organized, represented, and supported.
Key Accomplishments:
-
Sustained nationwide membership and organizational structure
-
Continued support for irrigation efficiency and agricultural productivity
-
Strengthened unity among irrigators across national and communal systems
Sustaining Growth and National Impact
AT PRESENT
A Unified Voice for Irrigators
Today, NCIA stands as one of the largest federations of irrigators in the Philippines, representing:
-
11,043 Irrigators Associations (IAs)
-
1,277,774 farmer-members
-
A multi-level network from provincial to
national levels
It remains committed to its mission of:
-
Promoting farmer welfare and empowerment
-
Supporting sustainable irrigation management
-
Enhancing agricultural productivity nationwide
