TACLOBAN CITY – Around 22 farmers from Barangay 101 New Kawayan are set to benefit from a solar-powered irrigation system that aims to boost vegetable production across 2.8 hectares of farmland.
The project, spearheaded by the City Agriculture Office with P1 million in funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), addresses persistent water scarcity issues that have long hampered agricultural productivity in the area. The barangay shouldered 30% of the total cost.
Now under construction and expected to be completed within one to two weeks, the system will enable farmers to draw water from a well using solar energy—eliminating reliance on costly electric-powered pumps.
“New Kawayan has struggled with water supply, making it hard for farmers to produce vegetables in large quantities,” said Agricultural Technologist Aileen Quimbo.
“This system ensures a steady water source to help improve yields and meet market demands, including Kadiwa Centers in Tacloban.”
DOST is also conducting training for members of the New Kawayan Farmers Association on how to operate and maintain the system. Monitoring will be conducted twice a week, with crop output and income used to assess the project’s impact.
To ensure long-term sustainability, 5% of the project’s budget has been set aside for maintenance, alongside additional contributions from the barangay and the farmers’ association. Farmers will also allocate part of their earnings for system upkeep.
Officials hope the project will serve as a model for similar solar-powered solutions in other farming communities. “This needs to succeed so it can be a long-term model for future farming communities,” Quimbo added.
(PRINCESS MANZANARES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
