President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has led the inauguration of the Tugbong Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Kananga, Leyte, to help farmers cope with El Niño and rising fuel prices.
The project follows Marcos’ directive to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Irrigation Administration to accelerate the development of solar-powered irrigation systems and reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel fuel.
The solar-powered pumps are expected to save farmers between ₱17,280 and ₱25,920 daily in fuel expenses while providing a more reliable water supply to 115 hectares of rice fields in Barangays Tugbong and Sto. Niño.
Operations are expected to begin in November 2026, during the first cropping season, following the completion of final adjustments.
The project will directly benefit 66 farmers belonging to the TONAY Solar Irrigators Association, Inc., which will also oversee its management and maintenance.
The initiative aims to protect crops from drought, lower production costs and improve the livelihood of Filipino farmers.
