NIA completes solar-powered projects in Ecija, Bulacan
CABANATUAN CITY – More solar powered-pump irrigation projects are now being constructed to benefit the local farmers in line with the innovation and modernization thrusts of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) under the leadership of Administrator Benny D. Antiporda.
This is after the NIA-Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS) office based here announced the completion of five solar-powered projects worth a total of P58.32-million in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
The five completed projects were the: P9.23-million SPPI in Talavera under Division 2 manager Engr. Alvin S. Manuel Jr.; the three SPPIs under Division 4 manager Engr. Wilfredo A. Balauro, P14.19-million SPPI in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, P15.23-million SPPI in San Miguel, Bulacan, and the P14.98-million SPPI in San Ildefonso, Bulacan; and the P4.69-million project in Bgy. Bagong Sikat, San Jose City which the Division 5 office implemented under Engr. Rogelio C. Macatula.
UPRIIS head Engr. Rosalinda B. Bote said these projects were implemented amid efforts by the agency to provide an efficient, effective, and sustainable irrigation service for the highest satisfaction of its main clientele – the local farmers.
She said the construction of eight other solar-powered pump irrigation projects funded under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is also underway and nearing completion.
Bote said these projects worth a total of over P180.68-million are being targeted to provide additional irrigation water service to about 377 hectares of rice lands, benefiting some 504 farmers serviced by UPRIIS.
She said: “the putting up of these solar-powered pump irrigation projects was a continuation of the agency’s pioneering projects implemented last year aimed to foster proficiency and resiliency for proficient irrigation service through innovation and modernization.”
