President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has inaugurated the Pamplona Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Barangay Gattu, Pamplona, Cagayan, Philippines. The project, valued at P98.602 million, aims to help farmers manage water shortages, reduce irrigation expenses and maintain agricultural production during extreme weather conditions, including Super El Niño.
The facility was developed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) East Apayao-Abulog Irrigation System to provide a more reliable water supply for agricultural land. During the inauguration, Marcos highlighted the government’s efforts to expand solar-powered irrigation across the country. He said approximately 3,000 solar-powered irrigation systems have been constructed in the Philippines since 2022.
The Pamplona project uses three solar-powered water pumps supported by 384 solar panels. It serves more than 600 hectares of agricultural land and has increased the irrigated area by an additional 100 hectares. With improved access to water throughout the year, farmers who previously harvested crops only once annually can now cultivate their fields twice a year.
The solar-powered system is also expected to reduce the financial burden on farming communities. Under conventional irrigation methods, farmers often faced monthly fuel and electricity expenses ranging from P300,000 to P400,000. With solar energy, these costs are expected to fall to between P50,000 and P100,000 per month.
The lower operating expenses will allow farmers to retain more of their earnings and use the savings for household needs and agricultural activities. Marcos said reducing spending on fuel and electricity would provide greater financial relief to farming families while supporting higher agricultural productivity.
The government is also expanding solar irrigation infrastructure in other parts of Northern Luzon, where dry conditions are creating challenges for agricultural communities. Similar initiatives include the Cabaroan Solar Power Irrigation System in Quirino, the Union Irrigation System in Claveria and a solar-powered submersible water system in Ballesteros.
In addition to irrigation, the Pamplona facility includes aquaculture infrastructure equipped with fishnets. This feature allows farmers to raise and harvest fish, creating an additional source of income, particularly when water availability becomes limited.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen said the project is designed to improve rice and crop production, reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall, strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to food security in the Cagayan Valley region.
The NIA will oversee regular maintenance of the facility, including inspections and cleaning of pumps, pipelines, electrical equipment and solar panels. These activities are intended to maintain efficient water distribution and ensure the system continues to serve farmers over the long term.
The project demonstrates how solar energy can support climate-resilient agriculture while reducing operating costs and improving income opportunities for farming communities.
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