President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured farmers in Camarines Sur of sustained government support as he inspected P332 million worth of solar-powered irrigation projects and other agricultural facilities aimed at boosting productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.
During a visit to the towns of Bula and Minalabac, Marcos personally checked two Solar-Powered Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) implemented by the National Irrigation Administration, which are expected to benefit more than 1,800 farmers across 1,854 hectares of farmland.
The projects include the P126.7-million Solar Pump Irrigation Project of the San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative in Bula and the P205.46-million New MASSBA Solar Pump Irrigation Project (Phase I) in Minalabac.
Speaking with farmers in Bula, the president listened to concerns from the agricultural sector and outlined ongoing government initiatives to support their livelihoods.
NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen, who accompanied President Marcos, said the projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to lowering production costs and improving farm output through climate-resilient technologies.
He noted that solar-powered irrigation systems significantly reduce electricity expenses. In one cooperative, monthly power costs previously ranged from P300,000 to P450,000 but have dropped substantially with the shift to solar energy, allowing farmers to increase their income.
The irrigation systems also provide a more reliable and uninterrupted water supply, further improving productivity.
The projects were funded under the Establishment of Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project (EGPIP) Solar program for 2024, part of broader efforts to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security.
Aside from irrigation systems, President Marcos also inspected the Bicol Mega Cold Storage and a vegetable and fruit processing facility in Pili, Camarines Sur, designed to address post-harvest gaps and preserve agricultural produce.
Farmers welcomed the initiatives, citing their potential to improve incomes and reduce losses.
“A big help (the Mega Cold Storage Facility), especially for those who grow vegetables. It will be a huge benefit for us here if there is already an abundance of products,” said 74-year-old farmer Trinidad Dela Cerna.
Another farmer, Eliazar Tatel, said the facility would help prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of agricultural goods.
“The products will no longer spoil easily because there is now a storage facility that helps prevent it and extend the shelf life of the produce,” he said.
Farmers’ cooperative leader Joselito Salen also expressed support for the administration, saying agriculture remains a priority at the grassroots level.
He added that government assistance, including mechanization, subsidies, farm inputs, and cash aid, continues to help boost production.
The Marcos administration has identified solar-powered irrigation and post-harvest infrastructure as key strategies in modernizing agriculture, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and ensuring long-term food security.
