One Meralco Foundation empowers Nueva Ecija farmers with solar energy
- February 28, 2025
One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social development arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has provided solar-powered mobile irrigation pumps to two cooperatives in Nueva Ecija, enhancing sustainable agriculture in the region.
Because of this initiative, the 140 farmers belonging to the Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative and the Nueva Ecija Rice, Corn, Vegetable, and Livestock Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NERCOVELIR) will no longer have to rely on costly diesel-powered pumps for irrigation.
During the dry season, water scarcity threatens the farmers’ produce. To protect their crops, farmers in Lupao resorted to diesel-powered pumps to access water from deep wells, but at a high cost—around P12,000 for every cropping cycle. This shift to renewable energy technology not only shields the farmers from high fuel prices but also introduces innovative and environmentally friendly solutions that boost food security and economic growth.
“Our income as farmers has increased, especially since we no longer have to spend as much on fuel. Our other members also no longer worry when their irrigation system breaks down because we can bring the mobile solar irrigation pump to them. This way, their irrigation won’t be delayed, and their crops won’t be stressed,” said Henry Ramos, Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative secretary.
“Rice, vegetables, and other produce are essential in most Filipino households, yet we often overlook the hardships our farmers endure every day to ensure we have these basic needs on our tables,” OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao shared.
“By providing sustainable solutions for our farmers, we not only improve their productivity and efficiency but also ultimately contribute to food security and economic development. These also foster innovation and cooperation that will help agricultural communities to thrive,” Tarayao continued.
The project was supported by the Meralco Employees Fund for Charity Inc. and employees from Meralco’s Customer Retail Services (CRS) group, which has made an annual tradition of raising funds to help communities in need, according to Charina Padua, the first vice president and head of CRS.
“We at Customer Retail Services are honored to collaborate with One Meralco Foundation on this impactful project. Together, let us sow the seeds of hope and let us light the path to a brighter future for our community and our country,” Padua shared.
Launched in 2022, the Agriculture and Livelihood Electrification program is part of OMF’s electrification for development portfolio. The program aims to use solar power to electrify schools, water access points, and rural health centers in the country’s off-grid communities.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ABFuPWuE7/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078505458464
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C9vrV1xRS/
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/12/meralco-gives-out-pumps-to-farmers/
https://plus.inquirer.net/news/solar-powered-irrigation-pumps-a-boon-to-nueva-ecija-farmers/
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/02/09/soybean-farmers-get-mobile-irrigation-from-omf
