Marcos cites solar irrigation as sustainable solution in Pangasinan agri

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday highlighted the significance of solar-powered irrigation in sustainable agriculture.

''Ang maganda dito sa solar-powered Irrigation pump ay ito ay sustainable solutions sa modernong pagsasaka. 'Pag naikabit na ito at kumukuha na ng kuryente sa araw, eh hindi na po kailangan lagyan ng kurudo, hindi na,'' Marcos said in his speech.

(The good thing about the Solar-Powered Irrigation pump is that it is a sustainable solution for modern farming. 'Once it is installed and is drawing electricity from the sun, there is no need for crude oil.)

Marcos said this as he led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS) Paitan Dam and the turnover of farm machineries and equipment (FMEs), farm inputs and Solar Powered Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) at the Municipality of Santa Maria in Pangasinan.

The initiative reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to advancing agricultural productivity through climate-resilient and sustainable support systems.

The said dam is a major irrigation infrastructure project by NIA Region I. This is designed to harness the water resources of the Agno River in order to provide consistent and sustainable irrigation across farmlands in Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.

This dam is seen to provide water irrigation to 12,041 hectares of agricultural land, which will directly benefit farmers from irrigators’ associations.

Sky Garden Project

In a separate event in Alaminos, Marcos recognized Pangasinan and its tourism sector. He led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sky Garden Project, which features elevated green spaces filled with a variety of plant species, walkways, seating areas, and interactive zones designed to promote public engagement and cultural exchange.

Marcos said this project would bring employment to the area. He added that he wants it to be "senior-friendly."

''Napakahalaga ng turismo sa kaunlaran ng mga kanayunan. Nasusuportahan nito ang ating mga magsasaka, ating mangingisda, mga nagtitinda ng pasalubong, kasama ang mga hotel, at transportasyon," Marcos said in his speech.

(Tourism is very important for the progress of the community. This can support farmers, fisherfolk, and those selling products, hotels, and even the transportation sector.) 

The Sky Garden aims to foster significant local business opportunities by providing entrepreneurs with space to set up cafés, souvenir shops, and eco-friendly tour services. 

It is also projected to support around 30 concessionaires and generate approximately 200 jobs for the community. —VAL, GMA Integrated News