On December 1, 2023, NIA Regional Office VI led by Acting Regional Manager Engr. Jonel B. Borres conducted an orientation program to promote scholarship opportunities from different Government agencies to Panay-Bukidnon Indigenous People (IP) at the reception hall of the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.
The IP community is one of NIA’s stakeholders in its Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP) wherein a reservoir or high dam and an afterbay dam are to be constructed to provide irrigation services in the province of Capiz and Iloilo. This initiative is in connection with the signed tripartite MOA between NIA R6, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), and the IPs around the area of the project.
During the signing, communities particularly requested the assistance of NIA R6 to connect their youth with scholarship programs that will sustain their tertiary education to strive against information and financial gaps.
Municipality of Tapaz Mayor Roberto Palomar highlighted the local government unit’s (LGU) partnership between NIA through the regional office and Administrator Eddie Guillen, enumerating the many projects and instances that the office did to lend a helping hand in the municipality. He extended his gratitude to the agency’s effort to alleviate the challenges faced by IP communities in Tapaz, assuring that the LGU will also give its all-out support to help the project in any way they can.
Hon. Bernie Tupaz, Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR), welcomed the attendees and representatives from different barangays and staff from the NIA Regional office. Also present were Division Manager of Engineering and Operations Engr. Robertino O. Lapeña to give his full support to the event; and Engr. Junnel Napura who gave current updates of PRBIDP and catered questions from the attendees.
Ms. Karren Grace Babiera, Senior Irrigation Development Officer (IDO) presented the various college scholarship programs from government agencies available for the IP youth. Notable programs are from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Province of Capiz’ Comprehensive Assistance Program for Identified Scholars (CAPIS), Municipality of Tapaz’ scholarship program, and Department of Health (DOH). Additionally, she also briefed the attendees about the courses offered by these offices such as environmental management, veterinary medicine, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, information technology, midwifery, medical technology, BS pharmacy, and more that children entering and currently in college can apply for. She encouraged the elders of the community to also motivate the youth to apply as NIA will provide support to assist the application process.
The orientation program was NIA’s second time to encourage more youth to apply, as the first one was held last April 24, 2023. When actualized, the PRBIDP will be Western Visayas’ biggest Irrigation Development Project, contributing employment opportunities to the locals and ensuring the region’s rice sufficiency and production.
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