The PHP23 million solar-powered irrigation of the Bitaogan River–Maputi Small Irrigation Project (SIP) is expected to provide water to low-lying fields of farmers in Davao Oriental.

In an interview on Wednesday, Engr. Elmer Joseph Coronel, head of the Engineering and Operation Section of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-Davao Oriental Irrigation Management Office, said the Bitaogan River–Maputi SIP aims to provide water to 60 hectares of cultivated land, aiding 33 farmer-beneficiaries.

“With the solar-powered pumps, bringing irrigation service to remote areas from a low-lying water source has made it possible,” Coronel said, adding that the project was turned over to the Maputi Bitaogan Farmer Irrigators Association (MBFIA) on Tuesday.

The SIP works by diverting water from the Bitaogan River with its two pump sites, one in Barangay Maputi, and the other in Barangay Bitaogan.

“We encouraged the beneficiaries to take care of the structures, especially the solar panels. They should adhere to the rules of the association as to their duties and responsibilities,” Coronel said.

As added support, Coronel said NIA will provide the necessary training, capability buildings and other assistance that will help them sustain the project.

“With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrust in convergence, we have various programs that can help the irrigators association improve their income,” he said. (PNA)