President Marcos inspects solar irrigation projects

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday inspected solar-powered irrigation projects (SPIPs) in Camarines Sur as the government steps up measures to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.

The P332-million SPIPs are expected to benefit 1,800 farmers in the province. Among them are the P126.7-million solar pump irrigation project of the San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative in Bula and the P205.46-million New MASSBA solar pump irrigation project (Phase I) in Minalabac.

National Irrigation Administration chief Eduardo Eddie Guillen, who accompanied Marcos during the inspection, said solar-powered irrigation remains the NIA’s key strategy in lowering production costs and enhancing agricultural productivity in the country.

Meanwhile, Marcos also inspected the Bicol mega cold storage and vegetable and fruit processing facility in Pili.

The mega cold storage features six refrigerated warehouse rooms for commodities and one room for preparation, one blast freezer with a capacity of two tons, and a solar power system that will ensure the safety of agricultural commodities such as vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry and fish.