ILOILO CITY – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has implemented more than P735.6 million in solar-powered irrigation projects in Western Visayas region in four years.
A SOLAR-powered irrigation project in San Enrique town, Iloilo province. (NIA-Region 6)
“We want to provide sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for water management in agricultural areas,” said NIA-6 Regional Manager Engr. Jonel B. Borres.
Fifty projects have been completed since these started in 2020.
Speaking at the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, Borres said solar-powered irrigation is part of NIA’s thrust to modernize irrigation systems in the country.
He added that solar-powered method provides water for farmers in remote areas where gravity irrigation is not feasible.
The solar-powered irrigation method is also a viable option during the dry season and the recent El Niño climate phenomenon.
Danielle P. Pijuan, NIA-6 public relations officer, said 28 projects are still ongoing.
NIA-6 projects that more than 1,000 farmers in the region will benefit and 1,423 hectares will be irrigated once all 78 projects are finished.