President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday praised the PHP100-million R.M. Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) in Ormoc City, calling it a model for modern, climate-smart farming. The project is the largest of its kind in Eastern Visayas.
Developed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the facility uses seven 10-horsepower solar-powered pumps to irrigate 100 hectares of farmland twice a year. It will benefit 92 farmers and their families, replacing costly diesel pumps with a cleaner and more efficient system.
“I just wanted to see how it works, maganda naman. We’re using the best of high technology. May satellite imaging, mayroong AI na ginagamit. It’s really impressive kasi napakaganda sa ani,” Marcos said during a gathering in Ormoc City.
The President highlighted that the project supports his administration’s drive for food security and climate-smart agriculture. By harnessing renewable energy, farmers can cut irrigation costs while improving yields.
The Ormoc SPIP is part of NIA’s nationwide rollout of solar-powered irrigation systems, with 11 projects nearing completion in Eastern Visayas alone. After the inspection, Marcos also led the distribution of patient transport vehicles to local governments in the region.
