The construction of 16 solar-powered pump irrigation systems in Albay, valued at PHP320 million, is set to enhance rice production for several irrigators’ associations in the province, according to the National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5).
Ma. Cleofe Baraero, NIA-5 Public Relations Officer, shared in a phone interview that these irrigation projects will cover over 269 hectares of rice fields, benefiting 265 farmers. The solar-powered systems will provide a consistent, year-round water supply, transforming previously rainfed fields into climate-resilient agricultural areas. This will boost crop yields, reduce production costs, and improve farmer incomes.
The projects will be awarded to seven irrigators’ associations from Daraga, Libon, and Legazpi City as part of the NIA’s modernization program, set to be implemented after the upcoming election. Once completed, the responsibility for maintaining the solar-powered pump irrigation systems will fall on the respective associations.
Maurice Ian Lunuas, president of the Alobo-Gapo Solar Irrigators Association, expressed that the project will significantly reduce production costs and increase harvests. “Previously, we relied solely on rain. With this project, our harvests are sure to increase,” he said.
Ceferino Abat, president of the Tamban Irrigators Association, highlighted the improvement in their ability to plan and coordinate cropping schedules, which aids in pest management and boosts harvest efficiency.
“The larger our harvests, the greater our contribution to our families’ development. We are very grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for this initiative,” Abat added.
Edmar Sevilla, a communal agriculturist, noted that the initiative would enable them to increase their harvests from twice to at least three times a year.
