Solar-Powered Pumps Boost Irrigation Supply for Downstream Farmers in Padada River Irrigation System in Hagonoy

Representing the farmer-beneficiaries of the project are the Presidents of the Irrigators Association in Hagonoy Davao del Sur, namely (from left to right), Mr.  Henry Valdez of Laposa Irrigators Association, Inc., Mr. Alan Abilion of Bayanihan Hagonoy (Zone 3) Irrigators Association, and Mr. Matias B. Gomez of Balutakay San Isidro Sinayawan Farmer Irrigators Association (BASISFIA), Inc. 

by April Pearl Q. Naguita, Public Relations Officer A - April 23, 2026

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region XI formally turned over the Padada River Irrigation System (RIS) Solar Pump Irrigation Project on April 22, 2026, in Brgy. Sinayawan, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. 

The completed solar panels in 2 other sites of Padada RIS solar-powered irrigation project. 

Held at one of the project sites, the turnover ceremony was led by Acting Regional Manager Engr. Dexter A. Sablaon. A total of 12 solar-powered irrigation pumps were handed over to three Irrigators Associations (IAs) located in the downstream areas of the Padada RIS, where water supply often becomes insufficient during prolonged dry spells.

NIA XI Regional Manager Dexter A. Sablaon formally turns over the operations of the 12 solar-powered irrigation pumps to the recipient Irrigators Associations (IAs) under the Padada River Irrigation System (RIS) in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. 

In his message, Sablaon expressed appreciation to partner agencies and stakeholders. “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our partners and stakeholders—especially our municipal and barangay local government units, the Department of Agriculture, the landowners who donated their lands for the solar irrigation projects, and everyone involved in making this project possible,” he said.

 The ceremonial turnover was held at the BIA project site. The first photo shows water gushing from the pipe outlet toward the irrigation fields, while the second photo features the control house and elevated water tank.

He also urged farmer-beneficiaries to ensure the project’s sustainability. “Let us value and take good care of this project, as it is truly a significant opportunity for all of us. Securing funding has become increasingly difficult due to the current challenges we face. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that this project endures and continues to benefit even the next generations,” Sablaon added.

Davao del Sur IMO Division Manager Dexter F. Tinapay expresses his continued support for the farmers of the Padada RIS while urging beneficiaries to uphold their shared responsibility in properly maintaining the irrigation structures during the turnover program.

The project was implemented by the NIA Davao del Sur Irrigation Management Office (IMO) headed by Division Manager Dexter F. Tinapay, which was funded in 2025 as part of efforts to enhance irrigation efficiency and sustainability in the region.

Tinapay underscored NIA’s continuing support and emphasized the importance of proper maintenance. “We will continue to provide support. Our commitment is to work for the welfare of our farmers. I hope that you will properly maintain this project. Across the three associations, a total of 12 units have been installed—four for each—strategically placed in areas where water supply has been identified as insufficient,” he said.

Hagonoy Mayor Jesus “Jay” Dureza personally attends the turnover ceremony, highlighting the strong partnership between NIA and the Local Government Unit, as well as the LGU’s continued support for the farming communities of Padada RIS.

He further noted that the system is designed to complement existing irrigation. “Please take note that this is a new technology, so proper maintenance is essential. As this is considered an augmentation system, it can remain on standby when water is available through the irrigation system’s gravity flow, helping extend its service life,” Tinapay added.

Covering more than 3,500 hectares, the Padada RIS serves a vast agricultural area. The introduction of solar-powered pumps is expected to augment water supply, particularly during prolonged dry periods that often result in irrigation shortages in downstream communities. 

The main dam of Padada River Irrigation System, in Brgy. Malabang, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. 

The initiative also supports NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen’s directive to transition farmers from costly diesel-powered pumps to Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) as a medium-term strategy to reduce production costs, combat El Niño, and boost year-round productivity.

Direct beneficiaries of the project include the Laposa Irrigators Association, Inc., Bayanihan Hagonoy (Zone 3) Irrigators Association, Inc., and the Balutakay San Isidro Sinayawan Farmer Irrigators Association (BASISFIA), Inc. The project is expected to significantly improve water access and strengthen agricultural productivity in the service area.

Padada RIS IA Federation President and BASISFIA, Inc. President Mr. Matias B. Gomez expresses optimism and gratitude for the newly turned over project, emphasizing its expected benefits to farmers and the irrigation service area during his message at the ceremony.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Federation President Matias B. Gomez, of Padada River Irrigation System Federation of Irrigators Association, Inc. expressed his appreciation. “It has finally been turned over. This project will serve as one of our backups, especially during times when water supply runs short. We are deeply grateful to the National Irrigation Administration for this project,” he said.

Mr. Rodrigo M. Tampipi, Vice President of the BIA, conveys the association’s gratitude, during the program, for the newly turned over project, noting its significant benefit to their wide irrigation service area, especially during periods of drought.

Meanwhile, Bayanihan Hagonoy (Zone 3) IA (BIA) Vice President Rodrigo M. Tampipi also conveyed his gratitude. “We are truly pleased that our portion in Barangay Igpit has also been able to benefit, especially since the Bayanihan Irrigators Association there has a large membership. This project is a great blessing—not only from God, but also a result of the tireless efforts of our institutions that look after the welfare and livelihood of our farmers. We hope that this will be used consistently and properly maintained, so that all farmers will continue to benefit. We know that during times of drought, this will be of great help,” he said.

Some of the farmer-beneficiaires during the turnover ceremony. 

At the official’s table from left to right: IA President Matias Gomez of BASISFIA, IA President Henry Valdez of LAPOSA, NIA XI Regional Manager Dexter A. Sablaon, Hagonoy Mayor Hon. Jesus “Jay” Dureza, and NIA Davao del Sur Division Manager Dexter F. Tinapay.