Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Guillen recently inspected irrigation infrastructure in Bulacan province, highlighting the potential of renewable energy to reduce costs for farmers.
Inspecting Solar-Powered Systems
The inspection on Thursday, January 29, 2026, included visits to the Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael, as well as the Bustos Dam in Bustos town and the Bulo Reservoir Irrigation System in San Miguel town. The officials assessed the conditions of these facilities.
During a dialogue with farmers from San Rafael, Bustos, and San Miguel, Senator Gatchalian emphasized the economic benefits of transitioning irrigation systems to solar power. “I saw that solar is good; it’s a big savings, and maybe it’s something that should be pushed further for the entire country. It saves a lot of electricity, and if we save, that’s a big deal for other projects,” he stated.
NIA Transparency Commended
Gatchalian also contrasted the NIA’s operations favorably with those of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He reported that, unlike the DPWH, the NIA appears to be free of “anomalies or ghost projects.” He attributed this to the direct involvement of farmers in the planning and implementation of NIA projects. “I’m glad I was able to face the irrigators, and they themselves said that from planning all the way to implementation, farmers are involved,” Gatchalian said. “That’s important; there’s nothing like that in the DPWH.”
Farmers identified a key need for improvement: a spare battery for the Kapatiran Solar Pump. Kapatiran Irrigators Association President Pablo Angeles explained that while the solar pump is effective during daylight hours, it lacks battery storage for nighttime operation or use during periods of heavy rain. Currently, the system reduces monthly electricity costs from P220,000 to P240,000 to P40,000 to P45,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas benefit from the Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System?
The solar pump benefits six barangays: Sampaloc, Caingin, Capihan, Tambubong, Ulingao and Pinac-Pinacan.
How many farmers are currently benefiting from the Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System?
Approximately 213 farmers have benefited from the system since it was built in 2021.
What did Senator Gatchalian say about the potential for expanding solar-powered irrigation?
Senator Gatchalian stated that solar power is a “big savings” and suggested it “should be pushed further for the entire country.”
As the Philippines continues to explore renewable energy options, will increased investment in solar-powered irrigation systems become a priority for supporting the agricultural sector and reducing energy costs for farmers?
