QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), together with the inspectorate team from the DAR central and regional offices conducted the final inspection of two (2) solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Brgy Bagumbong, Jalajala, and  Brgy. Hulo, Pililla, Rizal to help the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the area increase their income and uplift their lives.

DAR-CALABARZON Regional Director Cupido Gerry Asuncion said the two (2) SPIS will soon be turned over to Magsasakang Nagkakaisa ng Bagumbong Inc. (MANABAI) located in Brgy Bagumbong, Jalajala and  Alahas ARBs Association, Inc. (AAAI) in Brgy. Hulo, Pililla, Rizal.

“The SPIS would benefit not only the ARBs but also other neighboring farmers in both barangays,” Asuncion said.

He emphasized that the installation of the SPIS will promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate, cost-effective, and environmentally safe agricultural machinery and equipment that will enhance farm productivity and efficiency.

“With the help of the SPIS, the production cost of the farmers will be reduced because they will no longer buy diesel fuel for their generator sets, instead, they will use sunlight for the operation of the irrigation system,” Asuncion said.

ARBs from both organizations expressed their joy and gratitude to the DAR its partner, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), as they would now be able to have two cropping seasons.

Asuncion said that this would mean higher production and higher household income for the farmers in the area, who are mostly engaged in vegetable production.

“Farmers will have continuous production of cash crops and vegetables which would be equivalent to abundant harvests, increase in income that would alleviate the economic status of the ARBs,” Asuncion said. (DAR)