Marcos assures CamSur farmers of continued gov't support
President Marcos has assured farmers in Camarines Sur of sustained government support as he inspected solar-powered irrigation projects aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
The President made the assurance during a visit to Bula on Monday, March 23, where he met with farmers and listened to their concerns following an inspection of key agricultural initiatives.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the farmers raised various challenges they are facing in their livelihoods. In response, Marcos responded by citing ongoing government programs aimed at supporting farmers and improving agricultural conditions.
“During an interaction with the farmers in Bula, Camarines Sur, the farmers raised with the President the challenges they are facing. In response, the President mentioned government initiatives intended for local farmers,” it said.
Lower costs, higher productivity
During the visit, President Marcos inspected two Solar-Powered Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) worth P332 million implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
These include the P126.7-million Solar Pump Irrigation Project of the San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers' Cooperative in Bula, and the P205.46-million New MASSBA Solar Pump Irrigation Project (Phase I) in Minalabac.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen said the solar-powered irrigation systems will help farmers reduce production costs and increase income.
He noted that the use of solar energy significantly cuts power consumption for irrigation, allowing farmers to save more.
“With the adoption of solar energy, farmer cooperatives in the province drastically cut their power consumption, allowing them to save money and increase their income,” the PCO said.
According to the PCO, the projects are part of the government’s broader push to modernize agriculture through climate-resilient technologies.
Officials said the initiative will help strengthen food security while improving the living conditions of farmers.