An upcoming project of The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) have provided a P12-million solar-powered irrigation pump (SPIP) to a farmers’ organization in Juban, Sorsogon.
The project was turned over to Catan-agan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. which is under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-Irrigation Component (CARP-IC) of the DAR and NIA.
The SPIP seeks to help farmers increase their rice yield. DAR said the pump will benefit 97 farmers in Barangay Catan-agan.
NIA Engr. Emma A. Manlagnit said that this is the very first SPIP project of NIA and DAR in Bicol, saying such will irrigate a total of 89 hectares of rice crops in the locality.
“Currently, we have six pumps, but the final design will consist of nine pumps. Each pump is equipped with 27 solar panels,” she said.
In addition "The remaining three pumps will be built next year if further funding is granted, so there is no need for concern. Our only problem is the lack of canals. And with DAR’s help, canal systems can be improved.”
The first phase of the project, she said, was completed in January 2019, but the third and final phase has still to be implemented.
Manlagnit said the solar panels can last up to 25 years if properly maintained.
Due to the sensitivity of solar panels, the government rarely grants this type of project,” she added.
That’s a lot. Philippines I guess has a lot of funds.