Marcos wants to scale solar-powered irrigation

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is scaling up solar-powered irrigation as part of a broader push to shield Philippine agriculture from rising input costs and climate volatility.

While inspecting agricultural projects in Camarines Sur on Monday, Mr. Marcos reaffirmed continued state support for farmers as he inspected two P332-million solar-powered irrigation systems implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

NIA Administrator Eduardo G. Guillen said the agency plans to expand similar systems, signaling a pipeline of projects that could accelerate adoption across irrigated areas.

“With the introduction of solar-powered irrigation systems in Camarines Sur, the government could strengthen food security and modernize the country’s agricultural sector through innovative, climate-resilient technologies,” a statement from the Presidential Communications Office read.

“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,” it added.

The projects cover the P126.7-million solar pump irrigation system 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. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana