Contributed photo

Farmers in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija are getting a major lift as Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently turned over a solar-powered mobile irrigation system, helping local growers cut costs and improve harvests—just in time for the next cropping season.

The turnover ceremony brought together Meralco leaders, local government officials, and farmer representatives, highlighting a shared push to support sustainable agriculture. Among those present were Meralco Chief Revenue Officer Engr. Ferdinand Geluz, Customer Retail Services Head Charina Padua, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) President Jeffrey Tarayao, and employee volunteers from Meralco CRS. Local officials and partners also joined the event, including Cuyapo Mayor Jose Hidalgo Jr., Barangay Bambanaba Chair Imelda Dulay, National Irrigation Administration UPRIIS Acting Department Manager Engr. Alvin Manuel, and members of the Bagong Anyo Namcu Farmers Irrigators Association led by Chairman Alvin Cacho.

The project provides farmers with a mobile irrigation pump powered by a three-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic system, a game-changer for members of the Bagong Anyo Namcu Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. Many of them previously relied on diesel-powered pumps, spending around ₱12,000 per cropping cycle, with costs rising even higher during the dry season.

With the new solar-powered system, farmers can now irrigate their fields without relying on diesel, making farming operations more sustainable and less costly. Reliable irrigation also means better-quality crops—such as brown rice—which could help farmers earn higher prices in the market.

This marks the third time Meralco’s Customer Retail Services Group has donated solar mobile irrigation systems to farming communities in Nueva Ecija, in partnership with the Meralco Employees’ Fund for Charity, Inc. (MEFCI) and One Meralco Foundation.

“We are happy to be part of projects that will provide long-term assistance to our farmers. Together, let us plant the seeds for a brighter tomorrow for our families, our community, and our nation,” said Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz also recognized the efforts of Meralco employees behind the initiative.

“We hope that our modest, yet heartfelt contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow citizens. We believe that the beneficiary cooperative can nurture and create more value out of the solar irrigation system, eventually translating into lasting benefits for the community. This reflects our commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable development, and to supporting the long-term progress of our nation,” Geluz, who also sits as an OMF Trustee, said.

Cuyapo Mayor Jose Hidalgo Jr. welcomed the project, noting its timely arrival: “This gift from Meralco is very timely. Our farmers can use it just in time for the second cropping season.”

The initiative is part of OMF’s Agriculture and Livelihood Electrification program, which uses solar energy to support farms, schools, water access points, and rural health centers—bringing sustainable power solutions to communities across the Philippines.