The National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5) has delivered solar-powered irrigation projects worth over PHP70 million to several Irrigators Associations (IAs) in Masbate province on Monday.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, NIA-5 General Manager Gaudencio de Vera said the implementation of these solar-powered pump irrigation projects is part of the agency’s strategy to adapt to climate change and utilize renewable energy sources.

These initiatives aim to enhance irrigation development and promote agricultural modernization under the Marcos administration, he added.

The projects include PHP50 million worth of completed solar-powered irrigation systems in the towns of Dimasalang, Balud, Mandaon, and San Jacinto, as well as a new PHP20 million project in Cawayan.

“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.

He added that the limited surface water sources in the province previously only allowed for rice farming during the rainy season.

“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 led the distribution and turnover of the completed solar-powered irrigation projects.

In his speech, Guillen emphasized the Marcos administration’s commitment to boosting food production in the country.

“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 added that in addition to developing more irrigated areas, NIA plans to construct a multipurpose dam. (PNA)