TACLOBAN CITY – Farmers in Catarman, Northern Samar are set to benefit from three new solar-powered irrigation systems aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming in the municipality.
The projects, implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), include one solar pump system in Barangay Hinatad and two in Barangay Galutan. Each facility is designed to provide cost-efficient, environmentally friendly irrigation support to local farmers.
During a coordination visit, Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales and Municipal Engineer Carlito Danque received updates from NIA officials on the progress of the installations.
Each system has a 10-horsepower capacity, complete with a pump house, perimeter fence, and a 150-meter water distribution pipeline, and is funded at P15 million per project.
Once operational, the facilities will be handed over to the respective barangays and managed by local irrigators’ associations, ensuring community-based oversight.
Mayor Rosales expressed gratitude to NIA, noting that the solar-powered systems will reduce operational costs and provide a reliable water source, ultimately improving farm productivity in Catarman.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
