The local government unit of Pinili in Ilocos Norte province is starting a solar revolution to secure its food production.

Vice Mayor Maynard Francis Bumanglag said Tuesday that at least 25 barangays in Pinili town have installed solar pumps to irrigate their rice fields.

“This is just the initial installation of solar pumps in our town while we are working on other Barangays to follow suit,” he said in an interview.

For farmer Ryan John Pascua, the installation of the solar water pumps is a big help as they no longer need to worry about the high cost of fuel when irrigating their farms planted with rice and other high-value crops.

“The solar water pump is very useful to us not only on our farms but also in our household chores like washing our clothes or when taking a bath,” Pascua said as he lauded the local government for prioritizing the needs of the community.

As of this posting, the Pinili government continues to identify possible water sources as the current administration hopes to establish more solar-powered pumps in all its barangays.

In Ilocos Norte, more and more local governments such as Batac, Piddig, and Currimao, as well as private groups and individuals, are considering solar energy as the key power to ensure long-term food security.

With the expected prolonged drought in the province, the Ilocos Norte government plans to establish more solar-powered irrigation projects to help farmers produce off-season fruits and vegetables even in rain-fed areas. (PNA)