A zanjera is a mature organization in the barrios. It is actually a form of government. There are large zanjeras as well as small zanjeras. A zanjera starts when there is a need to share water resources. As new ricefields were developed, there is a need for water. And often, natural springs in the fields as well as rain water would not be enough to provide the water needs.
So, farmers had to bind themselves in an organization to build dams and dig canals. The organization then maps out the area of each farmer's field and apportions water accordingly. If there is a dearth of water, this apportioning is often necessary, even on a rotation basis which is called the cuadra.
The organization operates on the basis of a by-laws called the convenio ti agtagitalon or simply the convenio which outlines the rules of the zanjera. There are written convenios, it is amended as needs be by vote.
The zanjera could impose fines and contributions from its members. Labor contributions and cooperativism is the mainstay. If a member opts not to contribute labor, then he could contribute a money or goods equivalent which is termed as the rasgo.
Meetings and work schedules are reminded by means of the tambor or the tangguyob, once in the eve and repeated three times at daybreak. Then the farmers would go to the zanjera kamarin or gathering house if its a meeting and to their work site if it is a work gathering.
In the months of December or January the next year, a liquidation would be done. An accounting of paid and unpaid contributions, rasgo, fines and collectibles is prepared and at the meeting, these contributions are all settled once and for all. When all of the money had been collected, it would be decided to purchase a cattle or a pig which is slaughtered and distributed to the members. That way, a typical irrigation year is closed ready for another.