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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Solar-powered irrigation pushed in Western Visayas

Solar-powered irrigation pushed in Western Visayas

Published May 5, 2026 01:48 pm
‎A solar-powered irrigation system in Sibalom town, Antique province.  (NIA-6 photo) ‎
‎A solar-powered irrigation system in Sibalom town, Antique province.  (NIA-6 photo) ‎
‎ILOILO CITY — The National Irrigation Administration Region-6 is pushing the use of solar energy in Western Visayas as part of its approach in providing sufficient irrigation amid climate change and the fuel crisis.
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NIA-6 is expanding its Solar Pump Irrigation Program (SPIP) and Small Reservoir Irrigation Systems (SRIS) in Western Visayas to ease the impact of the dry spell, recurring El Niño climate phenomenon, and the high cost of fuel due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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‎“This is part of our directive to strengthen programs to increase farmers’ income by lowering operational costs and maximizing production through steady and sufficient irrigation water supply,” said NIA-6 Regional Manager Engineer Jonel B. Borres
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‎There are 141 SPIP units in the region comprised of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.  Negros Occidental is still included under NIA-6 as there is no separate office for Negros Island Region.
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‎Borres said 2,534 hectares of farmland across the region is benefiting from the solar-powered irrigation.
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‎There are also three SRIS in the region. One is operational while two are under construction.
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‎NIA-6 has constructed and rehabilitated small-water impounding systems and reservoirs to store rainwater during the wet season that could be used during a dry spell.
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Western Visayas Solar-powered irrigation NIA
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