Santor Rizal solar pump irrigation project strengthens Kalinga farmers, Philippines

In a significant stride toward sustainable agriculture, the completion of the Santor Rizal Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) Phase II in Kalinga province brings efficient irrigation to 72 hectares of farmland, benefiting 60 local farmers. The National Irrigation Administration Cordillera regional office (NIA CAR) spearheaded the project, funded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program- Irrigation Component.

Initiated amid the El Niño phenomenon, the solar-powered irrigation system, a brainchild of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., addresses water challenges in elevated areas or regions with underground water sources. NIA regional manager Benito Espique Jr. highlighted the technology’s suitability for areas where traditional irrigation methods face constraints.

The Santor SPIP project involves the deployment of 10 solar-powered submersible pumps, 10 reservoir tanks, and 750 meters of distribution pipes. Notably, this project is part of a broader initiative, with seven additional solar-powered irrigation systems completed in Kalinga in 2023 under the NIA’s Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project Solar Power-Driven Pump Irrigation Projects fund. These include the Nayud Balani SPIP, Zipla SPIP, and Mallong Olosan SPIP, contributing to the region’s agricultural advancement.

By harnessing solar energy to move water without reliance on grid power or diesel, farmers benefit from cost savings, eliminating the need for expensive fuel. This innovative approach aligns with the Department of Agriculture’s strategies to mitigate the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on agricultural activities, ensuring a sustainable and resilient farming ecosystem in the region.