FARMERS in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija are now benefiting from the solar-powered mobile irrigation system that was recently turned over by Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
The project, which was made possible by Meralco’s Corporate Retail Services Group, Meralco Employees’ Fund for Charity, Inc. (MEFCI), and One Meralco Foundation (OMF), entailed the provision of a mobile irrigation pump with three-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
Many members of the agricultural cooperative Bagong Anyo Namcu Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. rely on water pumps to irrigate their farmlands, a must to grow quality harvests such as brown rice. However, this requires them to shell out money for diesel, amounting to P12,000 for every cropping cycle, with potentially higher cost during dry season.
With the new solar mobile irrigation system, the farmers will no longer depend on diesel — effectively supporting sustainable cropping operations for members of the cooperative. With proper irrigation, the farmers are also assured of high-quality yields, allowing them to potentially sell their crops at a higher market price.
This is the third time that the Meralco’s Customer Retail Services Group donated solar mobile irrigation systems to farmers in Nueva Ecija.
“We are happy to be part of projects that will provide long-term assistance to our farmers. Together, let us plant the seeds for a brighter tomorrow for our families, our community, and our nation,” said Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua said.
Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz also extended appreciation to the efforts of employees to bring impactful project to communities.
“We hope that our modest, yet heartfelt contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow citizens. We believe that the beneficiary cooperative can nurture and create more value out of the solar irrigation system, eventually translating into lasting benefits for the community. This reflects our commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable development, and to supporting the long-term progress of our nation,” Geluz, who is also sits as an OMF Trustee, said.
Cuyapo Mayor Jose Hidalgo, meanwhile, warmly welcomed the donation to the farmers, saying: “This gift from Meralco is very timely. Our farmers can use it just in time for the second cropping season.”
OMF’s Agriculture and Livelihood Electrification program is part of its electrification for development portfolio that also includes energizing schools, water access points, and rural health centers using solar energy for the benefit of different communities across the Philippines.|
