The construction of 16 solar-powered pump irrigation systems in Albay, worth PHP320 million, will enhance rice production for various irrigators’ associations in the province, the National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5) said on Thursday.

In a phone interview, NIA-5 Public Relations Officer Ma. Cleofe Baraero said the irrigation projects will cover more than 269 hectares of rice fields and benefit 265 farmers in the province.

“By providing a consistent, year-round water supply, these solar-powered irrigation projects will transform previously rainfed fields into productive, climate-resilient agricultural areas. This will boost crop yields, increase farmer incomes, and lower production costs,” she said.

Baraero said the projects will be awarded to seven irrigators’ associations from Daraga, Libon, and Legazpi City, as part of the NIA’s modernization program, after the upcoming election.

“Once turned over to the associations, the responsibility for caring for and maintaining the solar-powered pump irrigation projects will lie with them,” she added.

Maurice Ian Lunuas, president of the Alobo-Gapo Solar Irrigators Association, said the project will significantly improve their lives by reducing production costs.

“Previously, we relied solely on rain. With this project, our harvests are sure to increase,” he said.

Ceferino Abat, president of the Tamban Irrigators Association, said they can now effectively plan and coordinate their cropping schedules, which helps in pest management in their rice fields.

“The larger our harvests, the greater our contribution to our families’ development. We are very grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for this initiative,” he said.

Edmar Sevilla, a communal agriculturist, added that before this initiative, they could only harvest twice a year, but now they can do it at least three times annually. (PNA)