By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Consistent with his mandate of incorporating renewable energy with the government’s resolve to modernize agriculture infrastructure, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the R.M. Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) in Ormoc City, Leyte this Monday.
The National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) irrigation facility, which consists of seven 10-horsepower solar-powered pumps, is designed to irrigate 100 hectares of farmland and provide benefits to 92 farmers and their families in the area.
President Marcos said of the project in a separate event at the same locale, “I just wanted to see how it works, maganda naman. We’re using the best technology; may satellite imaging, mayroong AI na ginagamit. It’s really impressive kasi napakaganda sa ani.”
The integration of sustainable energy in the project will replace conventional diesel pumps, providing farmers with a cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient source of irrigation.
Joining President Marcos were NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen, NIA Integrated Management Office for Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Manager Engr. Conrado M. Samson, and personnel from the NIA Central Office and regional offices. Officers of the R.M. Tan Irrigators Association and farmer-beneficiaries also participated in the event.
av
