Officials of the National Irrigation Administration–Ilocos Norte Irrigation Management Office (NIA-INIMO) inspected a solar-powered irrigation project in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Laoag City following concerns raised by farmers over its operation.

The complaints were raised by Antonio Sebastian, vice president of the Sta. Rosa Farmers Irrigation Association Inc., during an interview with a private media outlet. His remarks, which circulated on social media, prompted NIA-INIMO to conduct an on-site assessment.

NIA-INIMO Division Manager Engr. Joselito C. de Vera led the inspection, joined by Construction Unit Head Engr. Christian A. Antonio, Institutional Development Unit Head Mark Neil A. Recaido, and project engineers assigned to the Solar-Powered Irrigation Project (SPIP).

The agency said officials met with Sebastian to discuss the reported issues and determine appropriate measures to address the concerns.

NIA-INIMO also confirmed that the project contractor has been deployed to conduct repair and rehabilitation works.

The agency clarified that the solar-powered irrigation facility remains operational but admitted that its water output has decreased due to prolonged dry conditions in recent months. The reduced supply has affected irrigation services for some farmer-beneficiaries.

NIA-INIMO said it will continue coordinating with the farmers’ association and the contractor to implement corrective measures and restore the project’s performance