Marcos Jr. Inspects P332 Million Solar Irrigation Projects in Camarines Sur, Boosting Agricultural Productivity
MINALABAC, Camarines Sur – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Recently inspected P332,198,409.97 worth of solar-powered irrigation projects in Camarines Sur, designed to irrigate 1,807.85 hectares of riceland and benefit over 2,000 farmers in the municipalities of Minalabac, and Bula. The projects aim to modernize irrigation systems and advance sustainable agriculture in the province. The inspection took place on March 23, 2026, with a turnover event following on March 24, 2026.
Addressing Historical Challenges with Solar Power
For years, farmers in the region struggled with high electricity costs associated with running irrigation pumps. These expenses, sometimes reaching P10 million per harvest season, were often shared among farmers, significantly reducing their income and leading to irregular planting cycles. The fresh solar-powered systems are intended to alleviate this financial burden and ensure a more consistent water supply for agricultural needs.
Project Details: MASSBA and San Agustin-San Ramon Cooperatives
President Marcos Jr. Visited two key sites: the San Agustin–San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative (SARFC) in Bula and the first phase of the MASSBA (Mataoroc, San Jose, Sagrada Familia, and Baliuag Viejo) Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Minalabac. These projects, funded under the 2024 Establishment of Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project (EGPIP) Solar program, represent a combined investment of P332 million.
MASSBA Solar Pump Irrigation Project (Phase I)
The MASSBA project, benefiting 1,132 farmer-beneficiaries across 1,255.85 hectares, includes the installation of 900 solar panels (600 kilowatts) and inverters for four 200 HP pumps and motors, totaling P205,465,476.34. Construction began on November 18, 2024, and was completed on December 15, 2025. Prior to the project, the New MASSBA Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) had an outstanding balance of approximately P10 million with the Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative II, leading to frequent electricity disconnections.
Jesus Salceda Frivaldos, chairman of the New Massba MPC, stated the project will aid generate sufficient rice production and reduce energy consumption by harnessing solar energy. Previously, the cooperative paid over P500,000 for energy consumption, but with the new system, costs have been reduced to over P200,000.
San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers’ Cooperative Project
The SARFC project covers 551.9217 hectares with 722 farmer beneficiaries and involved the installation of 900 solar panels and two 200 HP inverters/controllers, costing P126,732,933.63. Construction started on October 21, 2024, and concluded on August 15, 2025. Historically, SARFC paid between P300,000 and P400,000 monthly for electricity to operate two pump engines.
With the transition to solar power, the cooperative has seen significant savings, with electricity expenses dropping from P450,000 to as low as P7,665 in September 2025, and eventually reaching zero in subsequent months. This translates to an estimated annual savings of at least P2.7 million in electricity charges.
Government Commitment to Modernizing Agriculture
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen emphasized that solar-powered irrigation is a key strategy for lowering production costs and enhancing agricultural productivity nationwide. NIA Bicol Regional Manager Engr. Gaudencio De Vera highlighted the positive impact on farmers who previously struggled with high electricity bills and irregular planting cycles.
The projects are expected to benefit more than 1,800 farmers across 1,854 hectares of farmland, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring food security.
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