• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The first-ever solar-powered irrigation facility in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental was inaugurated July 22 in Barangay XIV, Victorias City.
The inauguration of the P15-million San Antonio Pump Irrigation Project was attended by 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez and other officials.
Implemented in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region VI, the 100-percent solar-powered facility draws groundwater to irrigate 15 hectares of rice and sugarcane farmland.
Fifteen farmer-beneficiaries from the San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative will benefit from the water system, freeing them from solely relying on seasonal rainfall.
“Dependable water means dependable harvests, and dependable harvests mean a better life for our farmers and their families,” Benitez said in a statement. | TMD
