Solon proposes solar energy irrigation in Albay

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LIGAO CITY --- Rep. Fernando T. Cabredo of Albay’s 3rd district is pushing for the solar energy irrigation to farmers as cost-effective alternative and pro-environment farming technique.

“By utilizing solar energy, farmers can irrigate their lands without incurring high fuel costs, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices,” Cabredo said.

Cabredo said that the government is actively promoting the adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems as a replacement to traditional gasoline or diesel pumps which can help alleviate financial burdens on farmers.

“In line with this initiative, we are extending an invitation to the presidents of Irrigators' Associations and resource persons from the Department of Agriculture, National Irrigation Administration, and DPWH to introduce the benefits of solar-powered irrigation systems to the farmers in the third district of Albay,” he said.

“Through this collaborative effort, we aim to equip farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to access this innovative technology and enhance the irrigation infrastructure in our district,” he added.

Albay’s third district is being considered the rice granary of Albay.

Cabredo convened the Department of Agriculture (DA); National Irrigation Administration (NIA); and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) along with the Irrigators' Association Presidents from the third district of Albay in a meeting held at NIA provincial office in Tuburan, Ligao City to discuss the benefits of solar powered irrigation systems to farmers and budgetary requirement.

“We brought together key stakeholders, including irrigators' association presidents from the third district of Albay, representatives from the Department of Agriculture regional office, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and DPWH to discuss the programs including the requirements for availing Solar Powered Irrigation Systems Project from the Department of Agriculture. We also discussed updates on ongoing and upcoming irrigation projects by NIA, and the submission of proposals for potential inclusion in the budget for fiscal year 2025,” he said.

He said that the benefits of solar powered irrigation systems to farmers were increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved water management.

Cabredo underscored the importance of collaboration and collective efforts in advancing agricultural development in the third district of Albay through active engagement and valuable contributions of the farmers and national government agencies here.

While Cabredo is pushing to tap the solar powered irrigation system, former village councilor Oscar P. Balonzo, president of the Pinamaniquian Irrigators Association said that a water system project is continuously put up in Ligao by Cabredo and Ligao City Mayor Fernando Conzalez to help the farmers irrigate and provide water to their farmlands in Ligao.

“The water system project is continuously being done to provide water in our farmlands to sustain the palay production four our food sustainability in the third district,”