OMF turns over solar irrigation pumps to 140 Nueva Ecija farmers

The rice and vegetable cooperatives both struggle with water access to grow their produce especially during extreme dry season, or El Niño, which forced some farmers to dig for a farm pond so they can adequately water their lands and grow produce.

In Lupao, farmers source their water through deep wells, requiring them to use diesel-powered pumps with an estimated fuel expense of around P12,000 per cropping season.

“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 Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative secretary Henry Ramos.

Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said the “first of its kind” project underscores the importance of Meralco values malasakit and bayanihan in uplifting the quality of life in underserved communities, including farmers, through innovative solutions.

“Through this project, we are reviving the true spirit of bayanihan (community cooperation). Together, we are shaping a future where sustainability helps ensure the continuous growth of the agricultural sector—not just for today, but for future generations as well,” Geluz, who is also a trustee of OMF, said.

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 it its annual tradition for to raise funds together and find ways to offer help to communities in need, according to Meralco first vice president and CRS head Charina Padua.

”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,” she said.

OMF president Jeffrey Tarayao said 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.”

“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,” he said.

The Agriculture and Livelihood Electrification program is part of OMF’s electrification for development portfolio.

This includes electrification using solar power for schools, water access points and rural health centers in off- grid communities in the Philippines. To date, OMF has energized 304 schools, six rural health centers, four water access facilities and seven agriculture and livelihood facilities or programs.