P4.4-M solar irrigation system inaugurated

By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government, led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, has distributed irrigation pipes worth about P16 million to 53 farmers’ and irrigators’ associations, as well as several puroks and sitios across the province.

Beneficiaries came from Ambaguio, Alfonso Castaneda, Aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Kasibu, Kayapa, Solano, Sta. Fe and Villaverde. Carlita L. Baglao, Engineer II at the Provincial Agriculture Office, said the provision of pipes aims to improve water access for crops and gardens and enhance agricultural production among smallholder farmers.

In addition to the irrigation materials, Gov. Gambito awarded farm machinery valued at P2 million to six farmers’ associations and one cooperative. Recipients included the Galintuja APPLAI Tribe Agricultural Cooperative in Alfonso Castaneda; the Indigenous Peoples Association of Brgy. Baan Inc. and the Masinab Upland Farmers Association in Aritao; the Binadang Farmers Association of Dupax del Sur; the Pampang Farmers Association of Kayapa; and the Imugan Gardeners Association of Sta. Fe.

The Bagabag Tobacco Growers Association received 40 knapsack sprayers as part of the package which was funded from the province’s share of the tobacco excise tax.

The distribution coincided with the inauguration of the Provincial Nursery and the NV Farm School’s Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS). The SPIS and associated nursery were funded with a total of P4.4 million from the provincial development fund provided by OceanaGold Philippines.

The solar-powered system will supply reliable irrigation and ensure adequate water for the NV Farm School, supporting seedling production and farm training activities.