Powers and Objectives
- Investigate, design, improve, construct, and manage all national irrigation systems.
- Study water resources for irrigation to promote a 10-20 year plan designated as the "Irrigation Age."
- Collect user fees for financing operations and repaying construction costs within a minimum 25-year period.
- Exercise any necessary or incidental actions to fulfill objectives.
Capitalization and Funding
- Authorized working capital of 300 million pesos, fully subscribed by government through bonds.
- Annual delivery of 30 million pesos by the Central Bank to NIA until full payment of capital stock.
- Presidential authority to issue bonds domestically or abroad with terms set by Secretary of Finance in consultation with Monetary Board.
- Bonds exempt from taxation and from attachment, execution, or seizure.
- NIA to repay Central Bank in 50 equal annual installments starting six years after bond delivery.
- Collected irrigation fees added to operating capital.
- Authority to obtain loans under terms of U.S. Public Law for surplus commodity sales.
- Establishment of a sinking fund managed by the Central Bank to redeem bonds at maturity.
- Standing annual appropriation to support sinking fund and cover bond issuance expenses.
Governance: Board of Directors
- A seven-member Board chaired by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
- Included members: Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chairman of National Power Corporation, Directors of Plant Industry and Agricultural Extension, plus two presidential appointees recommended by national organizations.
- Term limits: six years for appointees, staggered for initial appointees.
- Per diem compensation for actual attendance, capped monthly.
Board Powers and Duties
- Prescribe and amend rules for NIA operations with Presidential approval.
- Appointment and removal (with cause) of key officials including the Irrigation Administrator, subject to Presidential approval.
- Approval of budgets subject to final Presidential action.
Board Member Restrictions
- Prohibition from concurrently holding other positions within NIA unless authorized by the President.
Management: Irrigation Administrator
- Chief executive responsible for managing NIA business under Board supervision.
- Participates in Board meetings without voting rights.
- Submits annual report to the President via the Board.
- Appoints subordinate staff with Board approval and manages personnel discipline.
Employment Policies
- All officers and employees subject to Civil Service Law and Rules except designated positions declared policy-determining, primarily confidential, or technical upon Board recommendation and Presidential declaration.
Audit and Financial Accountability
- Auditor General appoints an Auditor for the NIA and necessary staff.
- Salaries and personnel numbers subject to appropriations and resolution of disagreements by the President.
- Annual audit report covering financial status, compliance, and any unauthorized transactions.
- Report submitted to the Board, President, and Congress presiding officers within 60 days of fiscal year end.
Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Abolition of the Irrigation Division of Bureau of Public Works; transfer of all related assets, personnel, and functions to NIA.
- Applicability of Corporation Law provisions not inconsistent with this Act.
- Presidential authority to issue implementing rules and regulations.
- Repeal or modification of inconsistent laws, orders, and regulations.
- Act effectiveness upon approval.