Farmers in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija are now benefiting from a solar-powered mobile irrigation system donated by the Manuel V. Pangilinan–led Manila Electric Company, a move aimed at cutting fuel costs and supporting sustainable agricultural production in the area.
The irrigation system was recently turned over through a project made possible by Meralco’s Corporate Retail Services Group, the Meralco Employees’ Fund for Charity Inc. (MEFCI), and One Meralco Foundation. It includes a mobile irrigation pump powered by a three-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic system.
Members of the Bagong Anyo Namcu Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. traditionally rely on diesel-powered water pumps to irrigate their farms, particularly for crops such as brown rice. This often costs farmers around P12,000 per cropping cycle, with expenses rising further during the dry season.
With the new solar-powered system, farmers are expected to reduce their dependence on diesel, allowing for more sustainable farming operations and potentially higher-quality yields that could command better market prices.
The turnover ceremony was attended by Meralco officials, including Chief Revenue Officer Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua, and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey Tarayao, along with employee-volunteers from Meralco’s Customer Retail Services Group. Local officials and partners were also present, including Cuyapo Mayor Jose Hidalgo Jr., Barangay Bambanaba Chair Imelda Dulay, National Irrigation Administration UPRIIS Acting Department Manager Engr. Alvin Manuel, and members of the farmers’ cooperative led by Chairman Alvin Cacho.
This marks the third time Meralco’s Customer Retail Services Group has donated solar mobile irrigation systems to farmers in Nueva Ecija.
"We are happy to be part of projects that will provide long-term assistance to our farmers. Together, let us plant the seeds for a brighter tomorrow for our families, our community, and our nation," Padua said.
Geluz also commended Meralco employees for helping bring the project to communities.
“We hope that our modest, yet heartfelt contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow citizens. We believe that the beneficiary cooperative can nurture and create more value out of the solar irrigation system, eventually translating into lasting benefits for the community. This reflects our commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable development, and to supporting the long-term progress of our nation,” Geluz said.
Mayor Hidalgo welcomed the donation, calling it timely support for local farmers.
“This gift from Meralco is very timely. Our farmers can use it just in time for the second cropping season,” he said.
The project forms part of One Meralco Foundation’s Agriculture and Livelihood Electrification program, which also supports schools, water access points, and rural health centers through solar-powered solutions across the country.