NIA turns over P1.78-million Romualdez Solar Pump in Rizal, Kalinga

NIA CAR – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) recently turned over the completed P1.78-million Romualdez Solar Pump Irrigation Project (Romualdez SPIP) to Sitio Aba Irrigators Association for operation and maintenance on September 04, 2020 in the Municipality of Rizal, Kalinga.

Funded under NIA’s Establishment of Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project (EGPIP) CY 2020 allocation, Romualdez SPIP will irrigate six hectares of agricultural land in the municipality, benefitting 15 farmers and their families. The project is powered by 30 solar panels and installed with a 7.5-horsepower submersible pump lowered to a depth of 52 meters.

Engr. Ronilio Cervantes, Head of NIA-Kalinga Irrigation Management Office, stated that with nine to 10-hour operation in a day, the solar pump has a minimum discharge of 200,000 liters per day, where more sun equates more water. Similarly, two units of reservoir tanks were constructed to store water from the solar pump.

“The project uses the power of the sun to move water, without the need for grid power or diesel, which can equate to P270,000.00 in annual savings at P75.00 per hour in electricity bills”, said Engr. Cervantes.

Mr. Antonio Santiago, President of Sitio Aba Irrigators Association, said that they can now cultivate their lands for rice and some high value crops for two cropping seasons per year because of the Romualdez Solar Pump.

Meanwhile, NIA-CAR Regional Manager Benito T. Espique, Jr. urged the Irrigators Association to strengthen their association with the assistance of NIA and hopes that the project will enhance livelihood in the area. Aside from farming, the service area can have potential for aqua-culture, hog raising, and cultivation of high value crops.

NIA Top Management Officials, headed by Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya, assured that the Agency is doing its best to continue deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable irrigation service to the Filipino farmers amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.