Marcos promotes solar irrigation to counter drought threat in Leyte

KANANGA, Leyte — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally opened the Tugbong Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) in Barangay Tugbong, marking a step toward broader adoption of solar-powered irrigation across the country.

The inauguration comes as the government prepares for the expected impact of the Super El Niño phenomenon, which typically brings prolonged dry conditions to agricultural regions. Officials have urged communities to implement water conservation measures and develop alternative water sources to mitigate potential crop losses.

The project represents the administration's pivot toward renewable energy solutions for agricultural productivity. Solar-powered systems reduce operational costs and dependence on fossil fuels while providing reliable irrigation during critical growing seasons, officials said.

The government has signaled plans to expand similar projects across key agricultural provinces as part of its climate adaptation strategy. Agriculture remains vital to the Philippines' economy, with irrigation infrastructure playing a crucial role in food security and rural development.