As super El Niño looms, Occidental Mindoro seeks solar water pumps for farmlands

MAMBURAO, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO – Governor Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro is pushing for the installation of solar-powered water pumps in farms to ensure a steady supply of irrigation water without relying on costly fuel, as the province braces for the potential impact of Super El Niño. 

The initiative is among the provincial government’s preparations for the anticipated dry spell, which threatens the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

“Sayang kasi yung init kung hindi natin ma-maximize. Kung magbibigay sila ng water pump na fuel din, eh ang taas pa naman ng gasolina ngayon, krudo. Dagdag din na gastos sa mga farmers. Pero kung solar water pump, habang mainit, boga nang boga ng tubig, napapakinabangan ito,” Gadiano said. 

The governor is seeking assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to provide solar-powered pumps that could benefit not only farmers but also fishermen operating backyard fishponds.

Gadiano said a private company had offered to donate solar equipment for the project, subject to certification from the DA that it would be used for solar-powered irrigation. 

“Pati yung mga mangingisda natin na may backyard fishpond, naiigahan na rin yung kanilang fishpond. So kung may mga water pump sila, yung solar water pump mapapakinabangan nila. Tuloy ang kanilang hanapbuhay sa mga fishpond,” he added.

Occidental Mindoro is among the country’s major agricultural producers, with extensive rice, onion and corn plantations supplying a significant portion of the country’s food requirements. 

Gadiano said the provincial government is particularly concerned about rivers drying up, as many farms rely on them as their primary source of irrigation water.

Some farmers have already started rationing water as supplies gradually decline, he said. 

“Ang masaklap niyan, yung mismong irrigation systems, karamihan ay doon mismo umaasa sa ilog. Kapag tumindi nang tumindi ang init niyan, sigurado liliit nang liliit yung tubig,” Gadiano said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), together with municipal disaster risk reduction offices, is conducting assessments to identify areas most vulnerable to El Niño and determine the interventions needed. 

Among the proposed measures are earlier planting schedules, the use of early-maturing rice varieties that can be harvested within 90 days, and drought-resistant seeds to minimize the impact of water shortages.

Gadiano also acknowledged that the province has limited calamity funds remaining for the year following previous typhoon-related emergencies, prompting the local government to carefully allocate its resources while preparing for other possible disasters. 

He warned that a prolonged drought could affect not only Occidental Mindoro’s farmers but also other provinces that depend on its agricultural output.

In the event of a severe decline in production, Gadiano said the provincial government would prioritize local food requirements.

“Mas uunahin namin tingnan yung survival ng province kasi kung pare-parehas ang sitwasyon, hindi naman talaga dito. Kung dumating na ang ganoong sitwasyon, palagay ko magkakanya-kanya nang tingnan yung survival ng bawat province,” he said. 

Gadiano said preparations also cover the health and education sectors, as extreme heat could pose additional risks to residents, including schoolchildren.

The governor stressed that securing alternative water sources, particularly through solar-powered pumps, would be crucial in sustaining agricultural production if rivers supplying irrigation systems begin to dry up.