NIA Bicol welcomes 2021 with optimism

By Nicx Baraero

THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Bicol regional office through the leadership of Engr. Freddie M. Toquero welcomed 2021 with optimism in an event held Tuesday, January 12, 2021.

During the ushering activity attended by NIA officials and employees, the “Aperture of Optimism Board” that highlighted the region’s accomplishments despite the myriads of challenges faced by the agency in 2020, was unveiled.

The board displayed behind the scenes activities of excellence and commitment of employees who strived towards the attainment of the agency’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives in the midst of adversities of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ENGR. Freddie M. Toquero in front of the Aperture of Optimism board, NIA’s unique way of ushering Year 2021.

In his message, Engr. Toquero stressed the importance of teamwork, dedication, commitment and positivity that is essential to achieving the agency’s mandate.

For him, the photos displayed on the optimism board summed up NIA Bicol’s collective efforts in 2020 that will also serve as an inspiration to unceasingly provide its client-beneficiaries with quality service.

Messages of encouragement and optimism were also given by Engr. Seema S. Gonzaga, acting manager of Engineering and Operation Division, and Sandra I. Salva, acting manager of Administrative and Finance Division.

In a recorded video message, NIA Administrator Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya (Ret.) expounded on this year’s theme: “In optics, an aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels. This NIA Aperture of Optimism Board welcomes the light that we all hope to see in 2021. This is the light that would make all the smiles of all NIANs illuminate—bright smiles of strength, resiliency, achievements, legacy, creative spirit, and happiness.

Let everyone’s focus be on the positive thinking that brighter days are ahead of us—that we can overcome everything as long as we keep our unity and teamwork among us.”

Aside from the photos, the board also features the NIA RV Optimism Board where NIA officials and employees wrote their share of inspirational messages and quotes to live by for the year 2021.