Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 3601)
The body corporate created is known as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
The principal seat of business of the NIA is located in the City of Manila.
The primary objectives of the NIA include investigating, studying, improving, constructing, and administering all national irrigation systems in the Philippines, utilizing water resources for irrigation, collecting fees from users to finance operations and reimburse construction costs, and undertaking necessary business for these objectives.
The working capital of the NIA shall be three hundred million pesos, to be subscribed and paid entirely by the Government of the Philippines through bonds floated by the Central Bank, with annual payments of thirty million pesos until fully paid.
The Board is composed of seven members: the Secretary of Public Works and Communications (Chairman), the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Chairman of the National Power Corporation, the Directors of Plant Industry and Agricultural Extension, and two members appointed by the President—one recommended by a national rice and corn organization and the other recommended by the minority party with Commission on Appointments consent.
Board members, including the Chairman, may not serve in any other capacity within the NIA unless authorized by the President.
The Irrigation Administrator manages the NIA's affairs on behalf of the Board, attends Board meetings without voting rights, submits annual reports to the President, appoints and removes subordinate personnel with Board approval, and performs other duties assigned by the Board.
Yes, all officers and employees are subject to the Civil Service Law and Rules except those declared by the President as policy-determining, primarily confidential, or technical positions upon Board recommendation.
An Auditor General representative appointed as NIA Auditor and his personnel audit the NIA's financial transactions according to law and regulations. An audit report must be submitted to the Board, President, and Congress within 60 days after each fiscal year.
Beginning with the sixth year after delivery, the NIA shall return the amounts advanced by the Central Bank in fifty equal yearly installments.