TACLOBAN CITY — To protect local rice production and safeguard agricultural livelihoods against severe dry spells, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Eastern Visayas has activated six solar-powered irrigation sites across three Leyte municipalities.
Engr. Jaime de Jesus, NIA Eastern Visayas Regional Manager, spearheaded the formal inauguration of the Opong Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) in Barangay Opong, Tolosa, Leyte, alongside five newly activated sites under the Mainit Solar Pump Irrigation Project within the Mainit River Irrigation System.
Targeted Water Delivery For Downstream Rice Fields
The new solar-powered facilities are specifically engineered to supplement existing canal networks, targeting downstream and tail-end farm areas that historically experience irregular or insufficient water delivery during prolonged dry periods.
Together, the six operational installations will deliver sustainable water coverage to nearly 85 hectares of agricultural land, benefiting 73 local irrigators:
Opong SPIP (Tolosa): Serves 15 hectares of agricultural land, directly benefiting 16 farmer-members of the Integrated Barangays of Tolosa Leyte Irrigators Association Inc. (IBTLIA). The facility stabilizes water availability in time for the upcoming cropping season.
Mainit SPIP (San Miguel & Alangalang): Encompasses five distinct sites providing supplementary water to 69.79 hectares of rice fields. The project supports 57 members across the Alang-alang Lateral B West Irrigators Association (ALBW IA), BIGAA IA, and SANMAGBA IA.
Climate Resilience And Agricultural Security
The activation comes as climate projections warn of a severe El Niño phenomenon characterized by extended periods of below-normal rainfall across Region VIII. Without intervention, dry spells lead to delayed planting schedules, reduced crop yields, and financial stress for local farm households.
By utilizing solar energy to draw water directly where distribution gaps exist, the infrastructure bypasses total reliance on traditional gravity-fed systems.
"Ensuring that water reaches farmlands when it is needed most remains critical to sustaining rice production," Engr. De Jesus stated, emphasizing that the project aligns with national government initiatives under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build climate-resilient farm infrastructure, enhance food security, and modernize regional irrigation management.
