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In a quiet farming community in Dao, Capiz, a shift toward cleaner and more reliable agriculture is taking shape—powered not by diesel or seasonal rains, but by the sun. A newly completed solar-powered irrigation system is reshaping how local farmers cultivate their land, offering stability, lower costs, and renewed confidence in year-round production.
Developed through a partnership between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the Matagnop Solar-Powered Irrigation Project represents a growing effort to modernize rural infrastructure while addressing the realities of climate variability. For farmers in the Matagnop-Agtambi-Malonoy Agrarian Reform Community, the project brings dependable access to water across 30 hectares of farmland—an essential lifeline in an area long affected by dry seasons and unpredictable rainfall.
The P7-million facility was formally delivered to the Matagnop Royale Multipurpose Cooperative, placing operations directly in the hands of the farming community it serves. A total of 33 farmers benefit from the project, the majority of whom are agrarian reform beneficiaries working small parcels of land where production costs can determine household survival.
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Reliable Water, Stronger Harvests
At the core of the project is a solar-powered system designed to deliver water efficiently and sustainably. Deep wells, solar-driven pumps, pump houses, and an extensive bench flume network work together to distribute groundwater to farms without the recurring fuel expenses associated with conventional irrigation. By relying on renewable energy, the system ensures a consistent water supply even during dry months, allowing farmers to plant and harvest beyond the limits of the rainy season.
Officials say the impact goes beyond convenience. The improved irrigation setup is expected to raise crop yields, stabilize farm incomes, and strengthen food production within the community. Reduced irrigation costs also free up resources that farmers can redirect toward seeds, fertilizers, or household needs.
“This project is a concrete expression of the government’s commitment to empower our ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries),” Zenaida Andrada, DAR-Capiz OIC-Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer, said. “By ensuring reliable access to irrigation, we are giving our farmers the tools they need to increase their yields, improve their income, and sustain their livelihood.”
By shifting to solar energy, farmers are less exposed to fluctuating fuel prices and operational interruptions. The result is a system that supports productivity while aligning with broader goals of environmental protection and climate resilience.
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Clean Energy as a Catalyst for Rural Growth
The Matagnop project forms part of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program–Irrigation Component (CARP-IC), prioritizing sustainable infrastructure for agrarian communities nationwide. Solar-powered irrigation is a practical solution for off-grid or energy-constrained areas, where traditional systems are often costly to maintain.
Beyond immediate agricultural gains, the project is expected to contribute to wider socio-economic benefits. With reliable water access, farming households can plan cropping cycles more confidently, generate steadier income, and reduce vulnerability to poverty. There is also long-term value in pairing infrastructure investments with cooperative-led management, ensuring that benefits remain within the community.
The system’s completion was marked by a turnover ceremony attended by national and local officials, cooperative leaders, and technical teams who oversaw its construction. Their presence underscored the collaborative nature of the project, which brought together government agencies, engineers, and farmers toward a shared objective.
By harnessing renewable energy to address a basic agricultural need, the Matagnop Solar-Powered Irrigation Project demonstrates how clean technology can deliver tangible benefits at the grassroots level. For Capiz farmers, the initiative is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a pathway toward greater self-reliance, resilience, and opportunity, rooted firmly in the land they cultivate.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1265416
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/12/17/capiz-planters-receive-solar-irrigation-facility
https://region6.nia.gov.ph/matagnop-spip-officially-turned-over-farmers-barangay-matagnop-dao-capiz