The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has released verified information on recent social media posts about the Maguing Communal Irrigation Project (CIP) in Lanao del Sur, saying the viral photos showing poor conditions are outdated and do not represent the current status of the project.
The NIA, which supports the information integrity coalition #FactsFirstPH, released the clarification after a validation by NIA Northern Mindanao (Region X) and the Lanao del Sur Irrigation Management Office (IMO) confirmed that while the photos posted by a Facebook page were indeed from the actual Maguing CIP site in Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, they were not a current depiction.
Following directions from NIA administrator Eddie Guillen, a joint site inspection was conducted on Oct. 13 to 14, 2025, by the NIA Public Relations (PR) Team, Operations Department, Regional Offices in Mindanao led by project coordinator Salome Layasan and local irrigators associations (IAs).
The inspection documented completed construction works, including operational canal structures and lateral sections, with results showing that the irrigation facilities are consistent with the approved project designs and specifications.
Guillen said the agency “upholds transparency and due diligence in all its undertakings,” and encouraged the public to “verify information through official sources and to rely on validated data before drawing conclusions.”
The NIA said it continues to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and farmer-beneficiaries to ensure that irrigation systems remain functional and properly maintained, welcoming independent verification and public review of its projects while advising caution against misinformation circulated online.
