Zamboanga farmers receive solar-powered irrigation pumps

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The Zamboanga Peninsula received 20 solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIP) from the government, benefitting 635 farmers in the region.

This was announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday during the inauguration of the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur.

The President, in his speech, said the SPIPs will boost the local irrigation system using alternative energy that is clean and affordable.

To ensure the effective use of the SPIPs, President Marcos said the distribution and cleaning of the water will be managed by the irrigators’ associations.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), meanwhile, will help in the maintenance of the specialized solar panels and pump systems.

Since the pump systems get energy from the sun, farmers do not need to spend money on diesel and electricity and would avoid carbon emissions that worsen pollution, according to the President.

Most importantly, the President said the SPIPs would help strengthen food security and the livelihood of the farmers.

Refurbished Mahayag Dam

Meanwhile, President Marcos said that with long-awaited operationalization, the upgraded Mahayag Dam now provides efficient water diversion, improves irrigation reliability and agricultural productivity in the region, and enhances flood control and safety for homes and livelihoods in the province.

The Mahayag Dam, located in the municipality of Mahayag, is a major diversion structure for the Salug River Irrigation System in Zamboanga del Sur, the largest irrigation system in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The dam was reconstructed after it was damaged a few years ago due to flooding, affecting residents in the municipalities of Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot.

More than 3,100 farmers and their families stand to benefit from the dam, which regulates the flow of water in the Salug River and supplies irrigation to the nearby rice fields.

“Ibig sabihin, magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang suplay ng tubig. Hindi lamang mapararami ang inyong mga ani—mapapanatag din kayo na matutugunan ninyo ang araw-araw ninyong pangangailangan,” President Marcos said.

The President added that the dam also helps communities to be prepared and safe during the rainy season.

"Sa pagsasaayos ng Mahayag Dam, hindi lamang tayo nag-iimbak ng tubig. Nag-iimbak din tayo ng pag-asa at magandang kinabukasan," President Marcos said.