Lanao del Norte, Philippines – The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte (PGLDN), through its Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgro), recently turned over solar-powered water pumps to 15 Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across eight municipalities, marking a significant step towards modernizing the province’s agricultural irrigation system.
The ceremonial turnover was held on January 28, 2025, in Barangay Bowi, Pantar, Lanao del Norte. Representatives from the recipient FCAs, along with Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and Committee Chairman on Agrarian Reform and Natural Resources Sidick Dibaratun, were present at the event. The solar-powered water pump project, valued at P4.5 million, was funded through the 20% Development Fund of PGLDN for 2024.
This initiative aims to enhance irrigation efficiency for local farmers, replacing traditional manual irrigation methods with a more sustainable and renewable energy-powered solution. The solar-powered pumps underwent a thorough inspection by the Provincial Inspectorate Team before deployment to ensure functionality and compliance with safety standards.
Mr. Alexander Mangondayag, Vice Chairperson of the Kapit-Bisig Pantar Farmers Association, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the provincial government. “Ang Pantar Farmers Kapit-Bisig ay lubos na nagpapasalamat kay Gov. Angging sa mga suporta na ibinigay niya sa mga farmers dito sa Pantar. Malaking tulong na ang Solar Pump para dito sa mga garden namin. Kung walang tulong ang gobyerno sa amin, mahihirapan kaming mga farmers,” he stated.
Before the installation of the solar-powered pumps, farmers struggled during dry seasons, particularly during El Niño, relying on manual water collection from wells. The introduction of these modern irrigation systems is expected to alleviate these difficulties and boost agricultural productivity.
Board Member Sidick Dibaratun emphasized the importance of maintaining the newly installed equipment, urging farmers to take care of the system for long-term benefits. “Kaning mga proyekto, ampingi kana ninyo kay mapahimuslan gyud na ninyo, mapahimuslan sa katawhan, ug sa inyong mga anak,” he stated.
The farmer cooperatives that received the solar-powered water pumps include Mahayahay Communal Garden Association, RIC Mahayahay Communal Garden, Kapit Bisig Pantar Farmers Association, Patidon Salvador LDN Farmers Association, Malasalug Farmers Association, Maitosalug Farmers Association Pamana SLP, Maitosalug Coco Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Panloon Farmers Association, Tagulo Farmers Fisherfolk Association, Tangueguiron Farmers Association, Pualas Corn-Cassava Growers Association, Kalilangan Farmers Association, Kulasihan Kolambugan Demo Farm, Integrated Upland Coco Farm Learning Site, and the Provincial Nursery Seed Farm – Lowland Vegetable Techno Demo Farm.
With the implementation of this project, farmers in Lanao del Norte can look forward to increased crop yields and a more sustainable agricultural future, strengthening food security and economic stability in the region.
