MINALABAC, Camarines Sur — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Visited solar-powered irrigation projects worth P332,198,409.97 on Monday, intended to irrigate 1,807.85 hectares of riceland and benefit 1,800 farmers in the municipalities of Minalabac and Bula, Camarines Sur.
Boosting Food Security Through Innovation
The projects, undertaken by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), align with President Marcos Jr.’s vision to strengthen food security and modernize the agriculture sector through climate-resilient technologies, according to NIA Bicol regional director Gaudencio De Vera.
New Massba Cooperative Benefits
The New Massba (Mataoroc-Sagrada-San Jose-Baliuag Agrarian Reform Cooperative) multipurpose cooperative (MPC), comprising 1,132 farmer-beneficiaries, will oversee 1,255.85 hectares in barangay Mataoroc, San Jose, Sagrada Familia and Baliuag Viejo in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. The project includes the installation of 900 solar panels (600 kilowatts) and inverters for four 200 HP pumps and motors, costing P205,465,476.34.
Construction of the New Massba project began on November 18, 2024, and was completed on December 15, 2025. Jesus Salceda Frivaldos, chairman of the New Massba, explained that the project will reduce energy consumption by harnessing solar power for irrigation.
“Before, we were paying more than half million for energy consumption, but with the help of solar-powered irrigation projects of the National Irrigation Administration, today we are just paying more than P200,000,” said Frivaldos.
A Legacy Continued
Frivaldos noted the historical significance of the irrigation facility, which was originally established 44 years ago during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. He expressed gratitude that the current President continues to support farmers through the NIA’s solar-powered irrigation initiative.
The solar-powered irrigation pump will serve 634.17 hectares of rice land within a 1,255.85-hectare service area, benefiting 1,097 farmers from the Massba MPC.
Expansion to Bula, Camarines Sur
President Marcos Jr. Also visited the San Agustin and San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative in Bula, Camarines Sur, covering 551.9217 hectares and benefiting 722 farmer beneficiaries. This project involved the installation of 900 solar panels and two 200 HP inverters (600 kilowatts) at a cost of P126,732,933.63, completed on August 15, 2025.
For decades, the San Agustin and San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative paid between P300,000 and P400,000 monthly for electricity. After the transition to solar energy, electricity consumption decreased to P7,665 in September 2025 and eventually reached zero in subsequent months. The cooperative previously collected 12 cavans of palay per hectare from its farmer-members to cover electricity costs.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen emphasized that solar-powered irrigation remains a key strategy for lowering production costs and enhancing agricultural productivity nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of the solar irrigation projects visited by President Marcos Jr.?
The total cost of the projects visited was P332,198,409.97.
How many farmers are expected to benefit from these projects?
A total of 1,800 farmers are expected to benefit from the projects in Minalabac and Bula, Camarines Sur.
When did construction of the New Massba project conclude?
Construction of the New Massba project was completed on December 15, 2025.
How might the shift to solar-powered irrigation impact the long-term sustainability of farming communities in Camarines Sur?
