PBBM inaugurates solar irrigation project for 307 farmers in Cagayan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of a solar-powered irrigation project in Pamplona, Cagayan, on Monday, 26 October, aimed to improve water access for 307 farmers across five barangays.

The Pamplona Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP), implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) through the East Apayao-Abulug Irrigation System, features three 50-horsepower solar-powered submersible pumps supported by 384 solar panels.

The facility has a service area of 602.62 hectares and has restored 100 hectares of agricultural land, according to NIA Region II.

Farmers from Barangays Gattu, Capallalian, San Juan, Allasitan and Cassitan are expected to benefit from a more reliable supply of irrigation water, particularly during dry periods when crops are vulnerable to water shortages.

The project is intended to reduce farmers’ dependence on rainfall, support more frequent cropping and improve rice and other crop production.

The use of solar energy is also expected to help lower irrigation operating costs while promoting more sustainable farming practices.

NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen and NIA Region II Regional Manager Raymundo Apil joined Marcos during the inauguration, along with representatives of national government agencies, local government units and farmers.

The project forms part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and support food security by improving agricultural productivity and helping farmers sustain their harvests.

It also aligns with NIA’s seven-point strategic policy agenda, particularly the promotion of climate-smart irrigation and farming systems.

NIA said the project is expected to provide farmers with better opportunities to increase production, improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s food supply.