Solar-powered irrigation projects ease farming costs for Alcala farmers

Farmers in Alcala, Cagayan are expected to benefit from lower irrigation costs following the turnover of two solar-powered irrigation projects by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), covering a combined service area of 45 hectares.

Turned over on November 10, 2026, the facilities are part of Phase 2 of the Alcala Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP). Each project is equipped with a 15-horsepower solar-powered pump, solar panels, and other essential irrigation facilities.

The projects aim to provide a more reliable water supply to farmlands while reducing farmers' operating expenses, particularly those associated with conventional fuel-powered irrigation pumps.

Elmer Siazon, president of one of the beneficiary irrigators' associations, said the new facilities would ease the financial burden of irrigating their farms.

“Nung wala pa itong Solar Pump, gumagasto kami ng malaki para makapagpatubig sa aming sakahan. Kaya napakalaking tulong na naglagay kayo ng Solar Pump dito sa barangay namin. Magaan na po ngayon ang aming pagsasaka,” Siazon said.

Alcala Mayor Cristina I. Antonio-Butuyan expressed gratitude to the NIA, led by Administrator Eduardo Guillen, for providing the municipality with additional irrigation facilities.

She also emphasized the importance of continued coordination between the local government and the agency in advancing agricultural development, assuring farmers of the municipality's sustained support beyond the project turnover.

Meanwhile, irrigators' association presidents Marcelino Fontanilla and Siazon pledged to maintain and protect the facilities to ensure their continued operation and long-term benefits for their members.

The projects are part of NIA's efforts to expand irrigation access and improve agricultural productivity through renewable energy-powered facilities, helping farmers reduce their dependence on fuel-powered irrigation systems.