NIA Central Office – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), headed by Acting Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen, intensifies its continuous pursuit on the benefits of developing and constructing solar-powered irrigation projects in 183 sites nationwide already in the pipeline for CY 2024. An additional 791 potential sites for solar-powered irrigation projects are being proposed to irrigate about 39,694 hectares of agricultural land throughout the country.
For CY 2023, there are 147 potential irrigation sites for solar power amounting to Php 1,643,583,002. Of which, NIA already completed the construction of 17 solar-powered irrigation projects amounting to Php 117,360,002 as of September 15, 2023. These projects provide reliable irrigation water supply to 830 hectares of agricultural land nationwide benefitting 801 farmers and their families.
With the modernization and innovation thrusts of the Agency, NIA utilizes the full potential of its irrigation facilities, dams, and reservoirs for agro-tourism, aquaculture, and renewable energy sources. This proves that aside from providing sustainable and efficient irrigation services, the Agency can actually be an active partner for holistic contributions to the country’s development.
In addition to incorporating hydropower in its bigger irrigation projects through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the Agency harnesses the potential benefits of other renewable sources of energy. The use of solar energy is seen to be the most accessible and economically viable.
The NIA continues its ventures for solar-powered irrigation projects as an innovative technology to replace expensive diesel pumps that burdens Filipino farmers. With the soaring price of gasoline and diesel, these projects can continue to irrigate their lands free from the burden of shouldering high fuel costs. The technology consists of solar panels, pumps, electronic pump controllers, storage tanks, and conveyor systems. With solar power, it is seen to be more cost-effective than the fuel-powered irrigation pumps due to operation costs.
Located in Malamig, Bustos, Bulacan, the BUSPAN Solar Pump Irrigation System has a service area of 350 hectares and 320 farmer-beneficiaries and the ANBUSPA Solar Pump Irrigation System situated in Tibagan, Bustos, Bulacan irrigating 1,200 hectares of farmland and benefitting 1,000 farmers and their families are results of the successful replication of Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System in Sampaloc, San Rafael, Bulacan. It is the pilot solar project of NIA Region III under the leadership of Regional Manager Engr. Josephine B. Salazar wherein the 115 solar panels with 60 kwp capacity were installed on top of its irrigation canal. The said project provides irrigation water supply to 150 hectares of agricultural land in San Rafael, Bulacan and benefitting 114 farmers. Since its operation, there was a reduction of more than half of its Annual Average Electrical Expenses.
In the CALABARZON Region, at least 44 farmers of Sikaf Irrigators’ Association, Inc. now benefit on the turned-over solar irrigation project in the Municipality of Cavinti, Laguna with the Talaongan Pump Irrigation Project providing irrigation water supply to 50 hectares of agricultural land in Barangay Silangan, Talaongan. Meanwhile, in Barangay Pag-asa, Mabitac, Laguna, the Masikap Solar Pump Irrigation Project irrigates 13 hectares of farmland, benefitting 33 farmers of Masikap-Canaw Farmers Irrigators, Inc.
Furthermore, for CY 2024, Php 1,720,984,000 is allotted for the programmed solar-irrigation projects in 183 sites nationwide that will irrigate new area of 2,168 hectares. A P30-billion worth of solar-powered irrigation projects for additional 791 sites is proposed to provide irrigation water supply to 39,694 hectares nationwide. This boost in solar-powered irrigation projects will help improve the rice production in the country and will support the top priority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on food security.
As the NIA remains committed to its mandate of providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable irrigation service to the Filipino farmers, the Agency continues to harness renewable energy through the development of solar, floating solar, and hydroelectric power projects on its existing and future irrigation systems.
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For inquiries and/or clarifications, you may contact:
EDEN VICTORIA C. SELVA
Department Manager A
NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff
Email: pais@nia.gov.ph
Landline: (02) 8921-3741
Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System at AMRIS North Main Canal in Sampaloc, San Rafael, Bulacan
BUSPAN Solar Pump Irrigation System with service area of 350 hectares and 320 farmer-beneficiaries located in Malamig, Bustos, Bulacan
ANBUSPA Solar Pump Irrigation System situated in Tibagan, Bustos, Bulacan irrigating 1,200 hectares of farmland and benefitting 1,000 farmers and their families
Masikap Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Barangay Pag-asa, Mabitac, Laguna irrigates 13 hectares of farmland, benefitting 33 farmers of Masikap-Canaw Farmers Irrigators, Inc.
Talaongan Pump Irrigation Project providing irrigation water supply to 50 hectares of agricultural land in Barangay Silangan, Talaongan, Laguna, with at least 44 farmers of Sikaf Irrigators Association
