Farmers in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija are now able to use a solar-powered mobile irrigation system after its turnover by Manila Electric Company (Meralco), through its social development arm One Meralco Foundation. The initiative was aimed at reducing irrigation costs and supporting more sustainable farming operations.

The project involved the donation of a mobile irrigation pump powered by a three-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic system, provided through Meralco’s Corporate Retail Services Group, the Meralco Employees’ Fund for Charity Inc., and One Meralco Foundation. The system was given to members of the Bagong Anyo Namcu Farmers Irrigators Association Inc., an agricultural cooperative in the area.

Meralco said farmers in the cooperative previously relied on diesel-powered water pumps to irrigate their fields, costing them about PHP 12,000 per cropping cycle, with expenses increasing further during the dry season. With the new solar-powered system, farmers are expected to reduce or even eliminate diesel use.

The company said proper irrigation is critical to ensuring good crop yields and that access to reliable water supply could allow farmers to sell their produce at better market prices. It also noted that this is the third time Meralco’s Customer Retail Services Group has donated solar mobile irrigation systems to farmers in Nueva Ecija.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua said the project is intended to provide long-term support to farming communities.

“We are happy to be part of projects that will provide long-term assistance to our farmers. Together, let us plant the seeds for a brighter tomorrow for our families, our community, and our nation,” Padua said.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz said the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

“We hope that our modest, yet heartfelt contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow citizens,” Geluz said, adding that the cooperative could create lasting value from the solar irrigation system.

Cuyapo Mayor Jose Hidalgo Jr. welcomed the donation, saying it came at a timely moment for farmers preparing for the next cropping season.

“This gift from Meralco is very timely. Our farmers can use it just in time for the second cropping season,” Hidalgo said.

How can wider use of solar-powered irrigation systems help reduce farming costs and improve food security in rural areas?

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This article was originally prepared for January 26, 2026 and published later due to temporary site downtime.