CITY OF MALOLOS – Around 1,434 Bulakenyo farmers will benefit from the completed three solar pump irrigation projects of the Department of Agriculture – National Irrigation Administration which was announced during the presentation of Solar Irrigation Projects held at the NIA Regional Office III in Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan last Friday.
The said three irrigation projects with a total budget allocation of P98.6 million are located in Brgy. Sampaloc in San Rafael and Brgys. Tibagan and Malamig in Bustos.
NIA Region III Regional Manager and concurrent OIC Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operation Sector Engr. Josephine Salazar said that the pilot solar project in Brgy. Sampaloc, San Rafael have solar panels installed on top of its irrigation canal. This project mitigated the impact of using agricultural lands for solar installation, thereby, providing more opportunities for farmers to use their land for crops, and increase their income. Through this technology of combining solar panels, pumps, electronic controls for operation, concrete canals, water tanks, conveyance structures, and pump houses, a more cost-efficient system compared to fuel-powered pumps is made available for our farmers.
Since the operation of the Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System, more than half of the Annual Average Electrical Expenses was reduced. With the project’s success, it was replicated in two other sites – BUSPAN Solar Pump Irrigation System in Brgy. Malamig and ANBUSPA Solar Pump Irrigation System in Brgy. Tibagan, both in Bustos town.
“Irrigation is the backbone of agriculture. Together, let us continuously work as we support our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on his agenda of achieving full food sufficient country bilang ito po ang kanyang top priority,” she added.
In addition, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen said that the irrigation projects will help in poverty reduction and solve inflation problems as well.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the Provincial Government of Bulacan, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro thanked the NIA for launching the said major projects in Bulacan.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo dahil sa malaking tulong na ito sa mga magsasaka natin na mabiyayaan ng programang ito,” Castro said.
Also present during the event to show their support were House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Members of House of Representatives Edvic Yap, Erwin Tulfo, Elizaldy Co and Lorna Silverio, and San Rafael Mayor Mark Cholo Violago among others.
