PAMPLONA, CAGAYAN — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally inaugurated the Pamplona Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Barangay Gattu, Pamplona, Cagayan, on Monday, October 26, to strengthen agricultural production and help farmers cope with the effects of El Niño.
The project is expected to benefit 307 farmers by providing irrigation to approximately 602 hectares of agricultural land, ensuring a more reliable water supply for rice production.
Equipped with solar-powered technology, the irrigation system aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on costly diesel-powered equipment and lower expenses associated with water distribution.
Government estimates showed that monthly irrigation operating costs could decrease from Php 300,000 to Php 400,000 to approximately Php 50,000 to Php 100,000.
The projected savings of up to Php 300,000 per month are expected to ease the financial burden on farmers and allow them to allocate more resources to crop production.
The project also forms part of the administration’s efforts to mitigate the potential impact of a strong El Niño, which could bring prolonged dry conditions and threaten agricultural productivity.
By providing a more dependable irrigation system, the government aims to help farmers maintain rice production despite possible water shortages.
Aside from supporting crop cultivation, the irrigation project is expected to create additional livelihood opportunities through fish farming in its reservoirs.
The initiative could provide participating farmers with another source of income while maximizing the use of available water resources.
The government said the development of solar-powered irrigation facilities is among its strategies to modernize agriculture, reduce production costs and strengthen the country’s food security.
The Pamplona project is expected to support sustainable farming practices while improving the livelihoods of agricultural communities in Cagayan.
