Marcos Inspects PHP 332 Million Solar-Powered Irrigation Projects in Camarines Sur
More than 1,800 farmers in Camarines Sur are set to benefit from two solar-powered irrigation projects valued at PHP 332 million, as the national government continues to prioritise sustainable agriculture and food security. Inspected this week by President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, the projects are designed to reduce production costs, improve water reliability and support the modernisation of the agriculture sector through climate-resilient technologies.
The inspection covered irrigation systems in the municipalities of Minalabac and Bula, implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Details of the projects were reported by the Philippine Information Agency, which outlined their scope, funding and expected impact on local farming communities.
Solar irrigation as a tool for agricultural modernisation
The projects form part of the Establishment of Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project (EGPIP) Solar programme for calendar year 2024. Together, they cover more than 1,800 hectares of farmland and are expected to serve 1,854 farmer-beneficiaries, reflecting the government’s emphasis on scalable, renewable energy solutions in agriculture.
In Bula, the PHP 126.7 million Solar Pump Irrigation Project is being operated by the San Agustin–San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative. In Minalabac, the PHP 205.46 million New MASSBA Solar Pump Irrigation Project (Phase I) supports irrigation needs across multiple farming areas.
Reducing costs and improving farm incomes
A key policy rationale for solar-powered irrigation is the reduction of operating expenses for farmer cooperatives. Prior to the transition, some cooperatives reported monthly electricity costs ranging from PHP 300,000 to PHP 450,000 to run conventional irrigation pumps. Shifting to solar energy has significantly lowered these costs, allowing farmers to retain more income.
Beyond cost savings, solar-powered systems offer more reliable and uninterrupted water supply. By removing dependence on grid electricity, the facilities help ensure consistent irrigation during critical planting and growing periods, supporting higher productivity and more predictable harvests.
Alignment with wider digital and sustainable farming efforts
The Camarines Sur projects sit alongside broader national efforts to modernise agriculture through technology and data-driven approaches. Recent initiatives have highlighted how the country is harnessing digital tools to transform agriculture, including the use of smart systems to improve efficiency, resilience and decision-making on farms.
In staple crop production, similar approaches are being applied as the Philippines continues to advance rice farming through digital technologies. Solar-powered irrigation complements these efforts by addressing one of the most energy- and cost-intensive components of agricultural production.
Long-term implications for food security
NIA has positioned solar-powered irrigation as a core strategy for lowering production costs and enhancing agricultural productivity nationwide. With the completion and turnover of these systems, the agency has reiterated its commitment to agricultural modernisation, farmer empowerment and improved rural livelihoods.
For policymakers, the Camarines Sur projects provide a practical example of how renewable energy investments can deliver measurable economic benefits at the farm level while contributing to long-term food security and climate resilience objectives.
