A P1-million worth of Solar Power Irrigation System (SPIS) project, located at Banquero, Reina Mercedes in the province of Isabela, is now operational after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in partnership with the local government unit of Reina Mercedes, has completed its construction.
DAR-Cagayan Valley Regional Director Samuel Solomero said the irrigation system would benefit 39 agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB)-members from Reina Mercedes Riverside Farmers Association (RMRFA).
“This project will provide enough water supply to more than five-hectare vegetable farmland managed by RMRFA. Sufficient water is equivalent to an abundant harvest. More harvest and income for our ARBs would mean that they could contribute to securing food supply in the province,” Solomero said.
Solomero revealed that out of P 1-million-peso total project cost, the department will shoulder Php 850,000.00 while the LGU-Reina Mercedes counterpart is P150,000.00 for the drilling and land preparation.
“The project was made possible through the unwavering guidance of DAR Secretary Brother John Castriciones in our office, and also through the tireless efforts of Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Eunomio Israel Jr., to help the farmer-beneficiaries increase their income and uplift their lives,” Solomero said.
