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Philstar.com
January 16, 2026 | 3:00pm
MANILA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has earned an “Excellent” rating on the Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS) administered by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), marking its highest governance score since 2015 and underscoring a sustained push to strengthen institutional discipline and accountability.
With a score of 89.58%, NIA was placed among the top-performing government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) evaluated under the CGS, which measures agencies on disclosure and transparency, board and management performance, stakeholder relations and internal control systems.
“This recognition reflects the consistency of governance systems across the organization,” said NIA administrator Eddie Guillen.
“Governance is about putting the right systems in place; so that decisions are guided by clear procedures and can be reviewed, measured, and improved.”
Governance that shows up on the ground
While governance ratings are often discussed in abstract terms, the true test lies in how systems translate into projects that function as intended and deliver tangible benefits to communities.
One project increasingly cited in public discussions is the Union Water Impounding Dam in Claveria, Cagayan, a multi-purpose facility designed to serve both flood control and irrigation, implemented through coordination between NIA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During a Senate hearing, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon highlighted the Union Dam as among exceptional flood-control projects, standing out in terms of effectiveness and execution, citing its structural quality and its impact on surrounding farming communities.
In the same publicly shared video, Dizon cited farmers testimonials as to how the project has helped protect planting and harvesting cycles during heavy rains, while also supporting irrigation needs during dry periods, demonstrating how properly planned infrastructure can serve multiple purposes in climate-vulnerable areas.
Statements made during the hearing also noted how the project was completed within its approved budget and timeline through close coordination between implementing agencies, reinforcing the role of planning, oversight and inter-agency cooperation.
The past 3 years: ‘Accountability in everyday operations’
The GCG Corporate Governance Scorecard is a metrics-based assessment used across GOCCs to evaluate how agencies protect public interest and manage public resources responsibly.
For NIA, the “Excellent” rating reflects reforms undertaken over the past three years aimed at tightening internal controls, standardizing reporting procedures, and strengthening compliance with audit, procurement and disclosure requirements across its central and regional offices.
“Our focus has been to reduce ad hoc decision-making and rely on standardized procedures,” Guillen said. “When processes are clear and consistently applied, accountability becomes part of everyday operations.”
Beyond scorecards, NIA has institutionalized governance reforms through formal quality and service systems.
The agency maintains an ISO-aligned quality management framework, providing standardized procedures for key administrative and operational functions, and has updated its Citizen’s Charter in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (RA 11032).
Farmers at the core of NIA. NIA administrator Eddie Guillen addresses the communities of Calape, Bohol wherein four barangays will be benefiting from Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project.
Digital systems strengthening oversight
Governance reforms at NIA have increasingly been supported by digitalization. In 2025, the agency operationalized a centralized NIA Command Center, allowing management to consolidate operational data, monitor project status and strengthen oversight across regions.
Standardized data collection and centralized reporting have reduced reliance on fragmented, manual reporting and improved NIA’s ability to identify issues early and respond more systematically; particularly during extreme weather events.
Institutional reforms beyond leadership terms
While reforms have accelerated under Guillen’s administration, NIA emphasized that governance improvements are institutional in nature and designed to endure beyond any single leadership term.
“Our objective is to build systems that continue to function regardless of who holds office,” Guillen said. “That’s how public institutions earn trust; by making governance part of how they operate every day.”
As food security and climate resilience remain national priorities, NIA’s experience illustrates how strong governance—measured through recognized benchmarks and demonstrated through projects on the ground—can translate into infrastructure that makes an impact where it matters most.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by National Irrigation Administration. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
