House to continue backing cleaner, cheaper solar irrigation — Romualdez

Solar irrigation file photo. Inquirer photo/Marianne Bermudez.

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will continue to support solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs) as it is a cheaper yet cleaner option for bringing water to farmlands, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.

Romualdez during the inauguration of the SPIP in Barangay Castañas, Sariaya, Quezon said that the project, which costs P50 million, will now help irrigate 50 hectares of farmlands.

This, the Speaker said, will benefit 33 farmer-families as they would no longer spend around P80,000 on fuel for diesel-powered irrigators.  Aside from that, Romualdez noted that the SPIP is a cleaner option, as it uses a renewable energy source.

READ: Romualdez underscores importance of irrigation to farmers

“Snstead of spending up to P80,000 every cropping season for diesel, now that we have solar-powered irrigation, this will be more sustainable, cheaper, and more reliable,” Romualdez said in Filipino.

This is also the reason why the House, the Speaker said, had decided to increase the budget of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

“We know the importance of irrigation systems in improving production and agriculture. We are committed to providing NIA with appropriate funding support for the expansion of our irrigation system to help boost the productivity and uplift the lives of our farmers,” he noted.

“These are the kinds of projects that Congress prioritizes.  Practical.  The people will directly benefit from it.  It’s not a drawing on paper,” he stressed.

Traditional irrigation systems

According to NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen, the SPIPs are also faster and cheaper to deploy as operational expenses would only range from P200,000 to P300,000 per hectare, compared to P1.2 million per hectare for traditional irrigation systems.

NIA, Guillen said, has already completed around 1,000 SPIPs in 2024 and is attempting to finish another 1,000 SPIPs by 2025.

Romualdez also assured the public that the House’s commitment to help build SPIPs is not concentrated on Quezon province alone, noting that he has previously vowed to continue support for SPIPs nationwide during the nationwide National Irrigation Administration-Irrigators Association (NIA-IA) Congress.

READ: Romualdez urges irrigators to raise their concerns with lawmakers

“That’s why I am urging you to take care, take advantage, and increase the benefits generated by this project, because this is for you, for your children, and the next generations to come.  Your victory is a victory for the entire Philippines” Romualdez said.

Farmers then thanked Romualdez during a boodle fight meal after the event.  According to the Speaker’s office, local officials like Castañas Centro Barangay Chairman Cenon Albina and Castañas Centro Irrigators Association president Frederico Alday personally joined Romualdez.

“I am overjoyed.  In the past, when we did not have this solar (irrigation project), my colleagues here harvested a lot but they also spent a lot for it due to the high prices of diesel fuel,” Alday said in Filipino.

“That’s why it is good that we have this solar (irrigation) because I can gradually see how the farmlands would be lively, along with my fellow farmers here in Brgy. Castañas.  This will be of great benefit to us,” he added.

Albina meanwhile said that the SPIP breathed new life into their agricultural lands.

“Your barangay head is deeply thankful as during this time, we were able to attain what was once a dream for Barangay Castañas,” he added.