Solar-powered irrigation pumps a boon to Nueva Ecija farmers
One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has turned over solar-powered mobile irrigation pumps to support around 140 farmers in the province of Nueva Ecija.
The Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative and Nueva Ecija Rice, Corn, Vegetable and Livestock Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative each received a mobile irrigation pump that eliminates their dependence on diesel-powered pumps to draw out water for their farmlands.
The rice and vegetable cooperatives both struggle with water access to grow their produce especially during extreme dry season, or El Niño, forcing some farmers to dig for a farm pond so they can adequately water their lands and grow produce. In Lupao, farmers source their water through deep wells, requiring them to use diesel-powered pumps with an estimated fuel expense of around P12,000 per cropping season.
“Our income as farmers has increased, especially since we no longer have to spend as much on fuel. Our other members also no longer worry when their irrigation system breaks down because we can bring the mobile solar irrigation pump to them. This way, their irrigation won’t be delayed, and their crops won’t be stressed,” said Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative secretary Henry Ramos.
Meralco senior vice president, chief revenue officer, and OMF trustee Ferdinand Geluz said that through the “first of its kind” project, “we are reviving the true spirit of bayanihan (community cooperation). Together, we are shaping a future where sustainability helps ensure the continuous growth of the agricultural sector—not just for today, but for future generations as well.”
The project was supported by the Meralco Employees Fund for Charity Inc. and employees from Meralco’s Customer Retail Services (CRS) group, which has made it its annual tradition to raise funds and find ways to offer help to communities in need, according to first vice president and head of CRS Charina Padua.
“We at Customer Retail Services are honored to collaborate with One Meralco Foundation on this impactful project. Together, let us sow the seeds of hope and let us light the path to a brighter future for our community and our country,” she said.
OMF president Jeffrey Tarayao, for his part, emphasized: “Rice, vegetables, and other produce are essential in most Filipino households, yet we often overlook the hardships our farmers endure every day to ensure we have these basic needs on our tables. By providing sustainable solutions for our farmers, we not only improve their productivity and efficiency, but also ultimately contribute to food security and economic development. These also foster innovation and cooperation that will help agricultural communities to thrive.”
The Agriculture and Livelihood Electrification program is part of OMF’s electrification for development portfolio. This includes electrification using solar power for schools, water access points, and rural health centers in off-grid communities in the Philippines.
To date, OMF has energized 304 schools, six rural health centers, four water access facilities, and seven agriculture and livelihood facilities or programs.
As a contribution to the universal aspiration of sustainable development and inclusive growth, these programs aim to bring the benefits of electrification to Filipino communities who need them the most.
