The newly-opened Padada River Irrigation System (RIS) solar pump project in Barangay Sinayawan, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, is expected to irrigate about 1,500 hectares, benefiting three irrigator associations (IAs).

The direct beneficiaries include the Laposa Irrigators Association, Inc., Bayanihan Hagonoy (Zone 3) IA Inc., and the Balutakay San Isidro Sinayawan Farmer Irrigators Association (BASISFIA), Inc., all located downstream of the Padada RIS.

The Padada RIS, turned over on Wednesday, includes 12 solar-powered irrigation pumps — four units per association — installed in areas with insufficient water supply.

In an interview Thursday, engineer Dexter Sablaon, acting regional manager of the National Irrigation Administration in the Davao Region (NIA-11), said the completed project is expected to greatly improve water access and strengthen agricultural productivity in the service area.

“Let us value and take good care of this project, as it is truly a significant opportunity for all of us,” Sablaon said, stressing that funding for such projects has become increasingly difficult.

“It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that this project endures and continues to benefit even the next generations.”

The solar-powered pumps are expected to augment water supply during prolonged dry periods that often result in irrigation shortages in downstream communities.

Padada RIS Federation president Matias Gomez expressed gratitude to NIA, saying the project will serve as a backup during water shortages.

Bayanihan Hagonoy (Zone 3) IA vice president Rodrigo Tampipi added that the project is timely, especially during the dry season.

“This project is a great blessing —not only from God, but also a result of the tireless efforts of our institutions that look after the welfare and livelihood of our farmers,” he said.

Sablaon said the initiative supports NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen’s directive to transition farmers from costly diesel-powered pumps to solar-powered irrigation systems as a medium-term strategy to reduce production costs, combat El Niño, and boost year-round productivity. (PNA)