TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is pushing for expanded use of solar irrigation systems in Bohol as the province faces the threat of drying surface water sources ahead of the dry season.
NIA Engineering and Construction Operations Systems Chief Evaristo Borja said underground water sources remain viable even when surface sources dry up, making solar-powered pumping systems a practical option for remote farm areas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the dry season on March 23, with heat index levels expected to rise through May.
Bohol has approximately 30,300 hectares of farmland under irrigation through the NIA’s Bohol Irrigation System (BIS) and Bohol Integrated Irrigation System (BIIS), out of an estimated 104,000 hectares of potential irrigable land.
Nearly 70,000 hectares remain without irrigation coverage.
The BIS includes Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam in San Miguel and Capayas Dam in Ubay.
The BIIS covers the Zamora Small Reservoir Irrigation System (SRIS) in Talibon, Benliw SRIS in Ubay, Ilijan SRIS in Tubigon, Tugas-Can-olin SRIS, Ilaya SRIS in Ubay and Calunasan SRIS in Calape.
NIA also operates Cayacay SRIS in Alicia-Mabini and is developing the Bonot-Bobot SRIS and Hibale SRIS projects.
With most surface water sources already in use for irrigation, NIA is turning to solar irrigation systems to extend coverage to the remaining farmland.
Solar irrigation systems use solar energy to power water pumps instead of diesel generators or grid electricity.
They can draw water from rivers, ponds, reservoirs or underground sources and channel it to farms through elevated storage tanks, drip irrigation lines or open canals. (RAHC/PIA Bohol)
