Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Co’s Facebook page)

House Committee on Appropriations chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has expressed support for the National Irrigation Administration's (NIA) solar irrigation project that aims to transform rain-fed areas across the Bicol region into productive lands year-round.

"This initiative by the National Irrigation Administration is a game-changer for our farmers," Co said in a statement.

“Tutugunan nito ang napakahalagang pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka sa patubig. Palalakasin nito ang ani at ang kakayahan ng mga magsasaka na pakinabangan ang kanilang mga lupain at mapataas ang kanilang kita,” he added.

(It will meet the crucial need of farmers in irrigation. This will boost harvests and farmers' ability to utilize their land and increase their income.)

The lawmaker said farmers can expect an estimated additional income of P140 million every year once the project becomes operational.

The NIA solar irrigation project covers 71 sites, spread over a total of 1,810 hectares in the Bicol region. The agency is eyeing 4,560 farmer-beneficiaries.

With a total project cost of P1.5 billion, Co said it will bring a “transformative impact” to the local farming community.

"Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. Mahalagang bigyan natin sila ng kagamitan at resources na kailangan upang umunlad at mapalakas ang kanilang produksyon ng pagkain,” noted Co.

(It is important that we provide them with the necessary equipment and resources to help them develop and boost their food production.)

“This project not only boosts agricultural productivity but also uplifts the socio-economic status of our farmers," he stressed.

The Bicolano solon believes that by providing sustainable and efficient irrigation solutions, the project will significantly contribute to the region's overall development and food security.

"As a representative of the Bicolanos, I am committed to ensuring that we continuously support and invest in our agricultural sector," he said.

Co emphasized that he will continue to work with government agencies to ensure projects—such as the NIA’s—are successfully implemented and yield long-term benefits for the region and beyond.

Once implemented, the solar irrigations will prioritize rain-fed zones or areas that rely solely on rainfall for irrigation.

It will then enable farmers to have access to a steady water supply even during the dry months. Farmers in rain-fed zones are usually limited to having planting seasons only once a year.

“This development will enable farmers to plant rice during the rainy season and cultivate corn or other crops during the dry months, thus ensuring continuous agricultural activity throughout the year,” said Co.