The chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations has expressed full support for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) latest initiative to revolutionize irrigation in rain-fed areas, transforming them into productive lands year-round.
The NIA Solar Irrigation project, covering 71 sites across the Bicol Region, targets an area of 1,810 hectares benefitting 4,560 farmers across the region.
With a total project cost of P1.5 billion, Rep. Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list group said the initiative promises significant advancements in agricultural productivity and income for the farmer-beneficiaries.
“This initiative by the National Irrigation Administration is a game-changer for our farmers," said Co. “With the availability of water during the dry season, we can expect an estimated additional income of P140 million every year for our farmers,” he said.
The priority areas for this project are currently rain-fed zones that rely solely on rainfall for irrigation, limiting their planting seasons to only once a year.
With the project’s completion, these areas will have access to steady water supply even during the dry months.
This development will enable the farmers to plant rice during the rainy season and cultivate corn or other crops during the dry months, thus ensuring continuous agricultural activity throughout the year.
Co stressed the transformative impact of this project on the local farming community.
“Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. It is vital that we give them the tools and resources needed to boost their food production. This project will not only boosts agricultural productivity but also uplift the socio-economic status of our farmers,” he said.
The Bicolano solon believes that by providing sustainable and efficient irrigation solutions, the project will significantly contribute to the region’s overall development and food security.
"As a representative of the Bicolanos, I am committed to ensuring that we
continuously support and invest in our agricultural sector," Co said. “We continue to coordinate with government agencies like the NIA to ensure that projects such as these are successfully implemented and yield long-term benefits for our community.”
