HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today led the turn over of the Maunlad na Candating–Sapang Paitan solar-powered pump— one of the over 20 Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIPs)handed over in a single day to farmer-irrigators of Central Luzon, dubbed as the “rice granary of the Philippines.”
Fresh water flowed as Speaker Romualdez switched on the solar-powered pump in Brgy. Candating, Arayat, Pampanga, providing reliable irrigation for 15 hectares of previously rain-dependent farms of members of the Maunlad na Candating–Sapang Paitan Irrigators’ Association.
The Speaker was joined in the event by Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen, Arayat Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malou” Alejandrino, and Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.
Additional projects symbolically launched include seven systems in Nueva Ecija, ten in Zambales, and one each in Bulacan and Bataan. Two irrigation augmentation projects in Tarlac were also inaugurated.
Each system features typhoon-rated photovoltaic panels and AI-driven moisture sensors from Israel’s LR Group, significantly reducing costs and increasing crop yields.
“This is the future of agriculture, assisted by AI to enhance productivity,” Speaker Romualdez said. Early adopters, he noted, report yield gains above 25 percent.
For his part, Administrator Guillen commended Congress for sustaining appropriations, noting solar irrigation’s lower cost— ₱200,000–₱300,000 per hectare compared to traditional methods.
Gilberto “Apong Bert” Guina, 75, shared that he previously spent ₱30,000 on diesel each cropping, money now redirected to family needs and farm improvements.
“Dahil sa solar irrigation, hindi na namin iniintindi ang presyo ng diesel. Yung dating ginagastos sa krudo, napupunta na sa ibang pangangailangan: sa pamilya, sa bukid. Malaking tulong talaga,” Guina said.
Maunlad na Candating–Sapang Paitan Farmers’ Irrigators Association President Rey Velasco recalled seasons when farmers prayed for rain or hauled water uphill with hoses. The SPIP, he noted, restores both cash flow and dignity.
“Noon, sa ulan lang kami umaasa. ‘Pag umuulan lang saka kami masaya. Sobrang hirap po ng tubig dahil nasa taas kami. Kailangan pa naming humingi kung saan-saan ng patubig,” Velasco said.
The Speaker linked these advancements to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for solar irrigation to cover 180,000 hectares nationwide, aimed at boosting annual rice production by 1.2 million metric tons.
“President Marcos, maraming salamat po sa suporta ninyo sa ating mga magsasaka at paniniwalang kayang makipagsabayan ang Pilipino sa pinakamahusay na teknolohiya sa mundo,” Speaker Romualdez said, promising continued budget support from Congress.
“Sa tulong ng solar irrigation at smart farming, maibabalik natin ang lakas ng produksyon at maaabot muli ang hangaring maging rice exporter,” he concluded.
