• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Farmers in the Negros Occidental Fifth District will benefit from newly-inaugurated irrigation projects and additional solar-powered water pumps as authorities prepare for the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
Two pump irrigation projects, the Cabanbanan Pump Irrigation Project 2025 and the Bingig Communal Irrigation System (CIS) Pump Irrigation Project 2025, were recently inaugurated in Himamaylan City to improve water access for local farmers.
The projects were implemented in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Negros Occidental Irrigation Management Office with support from local officials and farmers’ associations.
The Cabanbanan project serves the Cabanbanan Kabsaka Farmers Association, with land donated by Amy Infante.
The Bingig CIS project was made possible through land donated by Felix Bantilan Sr. Both inaugurations were attended by NIA Division Manager A Edna Señadoza and her team, along with representatives of the local government and irrigation associations.
Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo said additional solar-powered irrigation pumps are also being pursued in coordination with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to help rice-producing areas cope with prolonged dry conditions.
Two solar-powered pumps are being planned for Hinigaran while seven more projects are expected to be inaugurated.
Some of the projects have already been completed, with three or four reportedly ready for inauguration.
Yulo said the proposed installations initially target rice-producing areas covering 15 to 20 hectares, with NEA also providing additional piping to support water distribution.
The systems are expected to help farmers prepare for and withstand the effects of El Niño, particularly if dry conditions persist.
The lawmaker noted that the effects of the weather phenomenon are already being felt in the Fifth District, even as rainfall continues in some areas.
Heat indices ranging from 33 to 38 degrees Celsius have been recorded, including in upland communities.
Yulo said the solar-powered pumps would be particularly valuable during prolonged periods of extreme heat, providing farmers with a more reliable source of irrigation water. | GPB
