(Photo courtesy of PIA)
NASUGBU, Batangas – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has provided Php 40.95 million worth of agricultural assistance to farmers in Nasugbu, Batangas, including a solar-powered irrigation system aimed at improving farm productivity and reducing dependence on rainfall.
The assistance package, initiated under Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., covers irrigation infrastructure, farm mechanization, and support for rice, corn, high-value crops, coconut, and urban agriculture.
The largest component is a Php 29.8-million Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS), implemented through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).
According to the DA, the irrigation project aims to provide farmers with a more reliable water supply while reducing their dependence on conventional energy sources and improving irrigation efficiency.
The department also allocated Php 6.2 million under its Rice Program, Php 1.2 million for corn production, Php 545,000 for high-value crops, and Php 62,500 for urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) extended Php 2.1 million in assistance, while the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) provided Php 1.1 million to support coconut farmers.
Farmers in Barangay Looc welcomed the assistance, particularly the solar-powered irrigation system, which they said would help address water shortages affecting their agricultural activities.
Basilio Rufo, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the DA and hoped similar projects would continue to benefit other farmers.
“Natupad po ang aming solar na patubig. Ang pangarap ko po sana ay magtuloy-tuloy itong mga project na ito para ‘yung aking mga kapuwa magsasaka ay hindi po mahirapan at maalwan po sila sa pagsasaka,” Rufo said.
Another beneficiary, Natalia Igana, said farmers previously relied heavily on rainfall and often struggled to secure sufficient water for their crops.
“Kami’y agaw-agawan po sa tubig. Ang pag-asa ho lamang namin ay sa ulan,” Igana said, expressing appreciation for the government’s irrigation assistance.
The DA said the combined interventions are intended to strengthen agricultural production and help farming communities withstand climate-related challenges, particularly the anticipated effects of a very strong El Niño.
