House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez spearheaded the inauguration of the Maunlad na Candating–Sapang Paitan solar-powered pump irrigation project in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga, marking a significant step towards modernizing Philippine agriculture. This project is part of a broader initiative that saw the simultaneous turnover of over 20 Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) across Central Luzon, the country’s “rice granary.”
Speaker Romualdez, joined 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., activated the solar-powered pump, delivering a reliable water source to 15 hectares of previously rain-dependent farmland.
The day’s events also included the symbolic launch of additional SPIPs: seven in Nueva Ecija, ten in Zambales, one in Bulacan, and one in Bataan, alongside two irrigation augmentation projects in Tarlac. Each system utilizes typhoon-rated photovoltaic panels and AI-driven moisture sensors from Israel’s LR Group, designed to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
“This is the future of agriculture, assisted by AI to enhance productivity,” Speaker Romualdez stated, highlighting the reported yield increases of over 25 percent among early adopters.
NIA Administrator Guillen praised Congress for its sustained funding, noting the cost-effectiveness of solar irrigation, estimated at $₱200,000–₱$300,000 per hectare, compared to traditional methods.
Local farmer Gilberto “Apong Bert” Guina, 75, shared the project’s transformative impact, stating, “Because of solar irrigation, we no longer worry about diesel prices. The money previously spent on fuel is now used for other needs: family, farm. This is a huge help.”
Rey Velasco, President of the Maunlad na Candating–Sapang Paitan Farmers’ Irrigators Association, emphasized the restored dignity and financial stability brought by the SPIP, recalling the challenges of relying on unpredictable rainfall.
Speaker Romualdez attributed these advancements to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to cover 180,000 hectares with solar irrigation nationwide, aiming to boost annual rice production by 1.2 million metric tons.
Speaker Romualdez said, “President Marcos, thank you very much for your support to our farmers and your belief that Filipinos can compete with the best technology in the world.”
“With the help of solar irrigation and smart farming, we can restore production strength and achieve the goal of becoming a rice exporter again,” he concluded.
