The National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5) is targeting the conversion of seven fuel-powered irrigation systems into solar-powered facilities as part of its modernization efforts and long-term solutions.
In a phone interview on Wednesday, Ma. Cleofe Baraero, NIA-Bicol spokesperson, said the seven irrigation systems are in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Camarines Norte.
“The project has an allocated budget of PHP10 million for each system. The program of work (POW) for each is still being finalized, but implementation is expected within the year,” she said.
“This is also part of the agency’s continuing efforts to modernize irrigation systems and promote climate-resilient farming practices in rural communities,” she added.
Baraero said the initiative aims to help farmers reduce operational costs, particularly on the use of fuel and electricity in irrigation.
In a separate interview, NIA-Bicol manager Gaudencio John De Vera said shifting to renewable energy under the government modernization program is a significant boost for farmers in terms of agricultural productivity and sustainability.
“This is a big help for our farmers. With solar-powered irrigation systems, they can increase their cropping cycles from two to three times a year, which will translate to additional income,” he said.
De Vera added that the projects are expected to provide a reliable and cost-efficient water supply, especially during dry periods when access to irrigation is limited.
“With reduced dependence on fuel-powered pumps, farmers can lower production costs while increasing crop yields and cropping frequency,” he said.
On March 23, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected two Solar-Powered Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) worth PHP322 million in Camarines Sur – the San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative in Bula, and the New MASSBA Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Minalabac.
NIA-Bicol also turned over a PHP16-million solar-powered irrigation project to farmers in Barangay Itaran, Polangui, on March 19. (PNA)