The National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5) has delivered more than PHP70 million worth of solar-powered irrigation projects to various farming communities in Masbate, allowing more than 150 farmers to enhance their harvest and adapt to climate challenges.

NIA-5 Regional Manager Gaudencio de Vera, in a report by  the Philippine News Agency, said the completed projects are part of the agency’s efforts to promote renewable energy use in irrigation and support agricultural modernization under the Marcos administration.

“These projects will benefit more than 150 farmers across different towns and are expected to improve irrigation services for over 220 hectares of rice fields,” De Vera said over a phone interview.

The initiatives encompass completed projects valued at PHP50 million in Dimasalang, Balud, Mandaon, and San Jacinto, along with a new PHP20 million project launched in Cawayan. De Vera noted that limited surface water in the province restricted rice farming to the rainy season. The new solar-powered systems will enable cultivation across multiple seasons, boosting yields and enhancing livelihoods.

“These projects will provide farmers with the opportunity to cultivate their lands during two seasons and beyond, significantly increase rice production in the province, and improve the living conditions of farmers in Masbate,” he added.

NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen personally led the turnover of the completed systems. “By utilizing solar energy, we not only reduce irrigation costs but also address the challenges of climate change. This type of system is not only environmentally friendly; it is also cost-efficient, reliable, and sustainable,” Guillen said. 

He also noted that NIA is looking to develop more irrigated lands and build a multipurpose dam in the future.

The solar-powered irrigation projects are part of the government’s wider push to improve resilience in the agriculture sector while advancing clean energy solutions.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates. 

Photo Credit: PNA Website