Powers and Functions of NIA
- Conduct investigation and study of water resources for irrigation.
- Plan, design, construct, improve, operate, maintain, and administer all national irrigation systems.
- Temporary administration of communal and pump irrigation systems partly or fully government-funded.
- Authority to delegate management of irrigation systems to cooperatives/associations under terms set by NIA Board.
- Imposition and collection of fees from beneficiaries covering costs of operation, maintenance, insurance, and construction recovery.
- Unpaid irrigation fees have preferred liens on benefited land and crops, superseding all liens except taxes.
- Construction of multipurpose water projects with primary focus on irrigation, coordinated with relevant agencies.
- Authority to plan and construct drainage infrastructure to enhance productivity of submerged areas; collection of drainage fees.
- Power to acquire real and personal properties and exercise eminent domain for projects, including right of way over public lands and government properties.
- Compensation provisions for private property use or acquisition, including rules for damages, improvements, crops, and timelines for claims.
- Establishment of social and economic assistance services to communities affected by NIA projects.
Capitalization and Operating Funds
- Authorized capitalization set at PHP 2 billion, to be fully subscribed and paid by the Philippine government, delivered in annual installments of PHP 200 million.
- Operating capital includes all collections from irrigation fees, rentals, equipment sales, and other income.
- Annual budget provisions for general administration, operation, maintenance, and project feasibility studies.
Authority to Incur Foreign Loans
- Authorized to secure loans, credits, or indebtedness up to USD 500 million or equivalent from foreign governments or international financial institutions.
- Power for the President or authorized representatives to negotiate and contract loans in NIA's name.
- Presidential authority to provide absolute and unconditional guarantees on loans.
- Exemption of loan-related payments and importations from all taxes, fees, and restrictions in the Philippines.
Composition and Functions of the Board of Directors
- Board composed of six members: Secretary of Public Works (Chairman), NIA Administrator (Vice-Chairman), Director General of NEDA, Secretary of Agriculture, General Manager of NPC, and one appointee from national rice and corn organizations.
- Provisions for substitute attendance with voting rights in cases of incapacity.
- Per diem compensation for Board members attending meetings with limits.
- Board powers include policy formulation, rule-making, appointment recommendations, budget approval, and appointment of Board Secretary.
Prohibition on Concurrent Capacities for Board Members
- Board members, except the Irrigation Administrator, may not hold any other position in NIA unless authorized by the President.
Management Structure
- Management vested in the Irrigation Administrator appointed by the President.
- Administrator empowered, with Board approval, to determine staffing, fix salaries, define duties, and discipline personnel.
Separability Clause
- Any invalid or unconstitutional provision or application does not affect the remaining parts of the Decree.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon approval.