The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has launched Region VIII’s largest solar powered irrigation system in Barangay R.M Tan, Ormoc City, providing reliable water access for 92 farming families, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) reported.

The PHP 100 million R.M Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) will irrigate 100 hectares of land, making it possible to have two planting cycles each year.

By replacing the previous diesel-powered system, the farmers expect better yields and stable incomes.

Seven solar-driven pumps with 10 horsepower are distributed in two sites to maximize coverage. NIA said the system will cause lower irrigation costs, reduce reliance on imported fuel, and supply farmers with a clean and sustainable energy source.

On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the system and commended it as a vital step for agriculture modernization with renewable energy adoption.

He was joined by NIA Administrator Engr. Guillen, Biliran-leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Manager Engr. Conrado M. Samson, NIA personnel, local irrigators associations, and farmers who will directly benefit from the system.

The officials expressed hope that the Ormoc SPIP will become a benchmark for future solar-powered irrigation systems in the country.

What do you think? Will NIA’s solar-powered irrigation system set the standard for renewable-driven farming in the Philippines, or will high costs and maintenance challenges limit its expansion?

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