Solar-Powered Irrigation Projects Bring Relief to Camarines Sur Farmers

Two solar-powered irrigation projects have become operational in Camarines Sur, providing relief to rice farmers facing high energy costs and unreliable irrigation. Implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the projects are valued at PHP 332 million and are expected to benefit more than 1,800 farmers across the province. The initiative reflects broader efforts to modernise agriculture and strengthen food security in the Philippines.

According to the official government report, the new Solar-Powered Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) replace older, grid-dependent systems that imposed heavy electricity costs on farmers. In Minalabac town, farmers have long struggled with power expenses linked to an ageing irrigation system, accumulating unpaid electricity bills estimated at PHP 6 million.

Reducing energy costs and improving farm viability

Nellie Israel, a rice farmer and board member of the Mataoroc-Sagrada-San Jose-Baliwag Viejo farmers’ cooperative, said the shift to solar power has eased a long-standing burden. The original irrigation system was built during the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., and farmers have welcomed its modernisation under the current government.

“Magpapasalamat po kami na talagang nakatulong si BBM dito sa mga magsasaka sa Camarines Sur,” — Nellie Israel, Farmer and Cooperative Board Member

For many farmers, irrigation costs were previously paid in kind, amounting to 13 cavans of palay per hectare per cropping season. With the adoption of solar-powered systems, farmers expect significantly lower payments, improving farm incomes and long-term sustainability.

Supporting resilience amid rising energy prices

Rosalie Abrado, another rice farmer in Minalabac, highlighted the importance of the project as the country prepares for potential fuel price increases linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. She previously relied on diesel-powered water pumps to irrigate parts of her farm, adding to production costs.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami nang lubos sa Presidente kasi nagkaroon ng ganitong project sa Minalabac. First time po ito nagkaroon ng ganitong klaseng proyekto,” — Rosalie Abrado, Rice Farmer

She added that many farming areas have sought similar systems, underscoring strong demand for renewable energy solutions in irrigation. The project reduces dependence on diesel and grid electricity, helping farmers manage costs amid external economic pressures.

Linking irrigation upgrades to wider agricultural modernisation

The NIA said the completion and turnover of the projects reaffirm its commitment to agricultural modernisation, farmer empowerment and improved livelihoods. Solar-powered irrigation complements wider national efforts to integrate innovation into farming, including initiatives that explore digital tools in rice production and broader programmes aimed at transforming Philippine agriculture.

While the Camarines Sur projects focus on energy and water management, they illustrate how infrastructure investments can work alongside emerging digital and data-driven approaches to improve productivity, resilience and food security across the country.