THE PROVINCIAL Government of Davao del Norte has ramped up solar-powered irrigation systems and infrastructure projects across vulnerable municipalities to ensure agricultural productivity and local water supplies against potential El Niño impacts.
Davao del Norte governor Edwin Jubahib reported that distribution and liquidation for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) rice support program have reached near completion.
“We have prioritized projects that directly address agricultural needs and community water security,” Jubahib said in a sideline interview on Tuesday during the Power Forward Mindanao at Aria Hotel here.
Meanwhile, infrastructure requests, particularly focusing on farm-to-market roads, solar irrigation facilities, and potable water systems, are undergoing final processing for implementation releases.
To insulate farming communities from dry spells, the province has strengthened operational solar-powered water systems across key agricultural areas, including sites in Kapalong, Santo Tomas, and San Isidro.
Jubahib said power upgrades have been conducted across operational pumps, scaling motor capacities from 2.5 horsepower up to 5 horsepower to boost water volume outputs for rice and corn farming sectors.
The official added that contingency measures include establishing large-scale solar-operated water sources and deploying mobile delivery assets such as water trucks and tankers.
These units are tasked with distributing 5,000- to 1,000-liter storage tanks directly to barangays during peak dry conditions.
“Residents could then collect water at fixed points instead of crowding around tankers,” the governor said.
Five solar-powered water supply areas are already operating: three in Kapalong, one in Santo Tomas, and one in San Isidro.
The official said water projects powered by solar energy have also been completed in Samal.
He stressed that the whole province is vulnerable to El Niño; however, water supply remains stable despite rising heat, and irrigation is still adequate.
