PNP and NIA Forge Landmark Partnership
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) have officially joined forces to strengthen efforts in promoting peace, food security, and sustainable development across the country, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 7, 2025, during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held at the PNP Grandstand, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City.
Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, PNP Chief, signed the MOU on behalf of the police organization, together with Police Major General Roderick Augustus B. Alba, Director for Police Community Relations. Representing NIA was Administrator Engr. Eduardo “Eddie” G. Guillen, who also served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
The agreement signifies a strategic collaboration aimed at ensuring the smooth and secure implementation of irrigation projects throughout the country, particularly in far-flung areas that are often vulnerable to conflict, poverty, and neglect.
In his message, PGen Torre emphasized the broader significance of the partnership, stating: “The importance of this MOU goes beyond the ink on paper. This is the convergence of our missions—ours to maintain peace and order, and theirs to secure water and food security in the most underserved areas. With this MOU, we are not only protecting irrigation projects, we are protecting peace and progress.”
Highlighting the role of the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) Program, the PNP Chief noted that the partnership will enhance the government’s capability to deliver basic services to the grassroots, particularly in GIDAs. He lauded the solar-powered irrigation projects for not only bringing water to the fields, but also delivering hope to farmers, stability to communities, and peace to the countryside.
“We are making a clear statement today: Ang kapulisan ay katuwang ng bayan sa pagpapaunlad, hindi lang sa pagpapatupad ng batas. In the Bagong Pilipinas, we do not work in silos; we move forward as one government, united in purpose and grounded in service,” PGen Torre added.
He also extended his gratitude to Administrator Guillen and the NIA team for their trust and commitment to collaboration. To his fellow officers, he gave a strong call to action: “Embrace this partnership as part of our broader mission to be relevant, responsive, and reliable in the service of our people.”
Meanwhile, Administrator Guillen also lauded the partnership and underscored its historical and symbolic significance. He honored the legacy of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), noting that under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Academy has produced its first-ever Chief, PNP—a fulfillment of the vision set forth during the institution’s establishment under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
“This is not just history, it is a legacy fulfilled. It validates the original vision behind the Academy, to build leaders from within the ranks molded by discipline, integrity, and a deep sense of public service,” said Engr. Guillen.
He underscored that the partnership with PNP goes beyond securing projects, saying: “We are sealing a commitment to serve the Filipino people better, together. I believe in the saying: as long as hunger exists, peace cannot prevail. That is why this MOU is a long-term partnership for peace and prosperity because where there is food on every table and safety in every home, there we will find true and lasting peace.”
Under the MOU, PNP will collaborate with NIA and local government units (LGUs)to provide security for project areas, mobilize communities to support and safeguard irrigation sites, and assist in the protection and monitoring of ongoing construction and infrastructure activities. The partnership will also involve close coordination with NIA regional offices to promptly address any issue and ensure smooth project implementation.
This initiative reflects PNP’s commitment not only to law enforcement but also to nation-building. By supporting infrastructure and agricultural development in rural and underserved communities, the police organization affirms its vital role in uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
In a time when inter-agency collaboration is key to sustainable development, PNP and NIA’s partnership stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government agencies work together—bridging gaps, bringing services to the people, and laying down foundations for peace, security, and prosperity in the countryside.
