Tagbina farmers receive solar-powered irrigation system
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Seventy farmers in Barangay Maglambing, Tagbina, are now equipped with a sustainable and efficient irrigation system after the recent inauguration and turnover of the Maglambing Solar Pump Irrigation Project.
Implemented under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Infrastructure Component (CARP-IC) CY 2023, this vital project is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the Presidential Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM).
Designed to boost agricultural productivity and enhance farmers’ livelihoods, the solar-powered irrigation system significantly reduces dependency on traditional water sources, providing farmlands with a consistent and climate-resilient water supply. This project is expected to increase crop yields, improve farm efficiency, and contribute to the long-term food security of the community.
During the ceremony, PARCCOM Chairperson Timoteo Orquina Jr. urged the farmers to maintain the system properly to ensure its benefits are sustained for generations.
DAR PARPO I Victor L. Canda on the other hand praised the initiative’s transformative potential, stating, “This project is a testament to our commitment to modernizing agriculture through sustainable technology. By equipping our farmers with reliable irrigation, we are securing their livelihoods and ensuring the continued growth of our agricultural sector.”
Representatives from DAR, PARCCOM, NIA, MAO-Tagbina, and local farmer cooperatives also commended the project for its significant role in promoting agricultural sustainability, climate adaptability, and economic resilience.
With improved water management practices and enhanced farming efficiency, the Maglambing Solar Pump Irrigation Project is set to revolutionize agriculture in Tagbina, empowering farmers and fostering economic growth across the region.
About PARCCOM
The Presidential Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM), consisted of representatives from various sectors, including landowners, farmer-beneficiaries, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, indigenous peoples, and non-governmental organizations, is tasked to coordinate and monitor the programs and activities of agrarian reform at the grassroots level, ensuring effective implementation and support to agrarian communities. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)