Solar-powered irrigation system to boost Davao City agriculture

(Image from Davao City Information Office)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The city government here has installed a solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) in Pañalum, Paquibato District to boost agricultural production.

The SPIS, the first in the city, uses solar panels to power pumps that irrigate farms, said Gilbert Iglesias, head of the programs and project management section of the Agriculturist Office (CAgrO).

The SPIS is expected to irrigate 10 hectares and benefit about 30 farmers, Iglesias said in a statement on Friday.

The city allocated P1.4 million for the project.

Another SPIS is 80 percent complete in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, Iglesias said.

The P2.1 million SPIS in Malabog is part of the “Upscaling Agricultural Support in Vulnerable Production Areas in Davao City” project, funded by the 2024 Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund.

“The SPIS in Malabog will be completed next month,” Iglesias said.