The newly launched Alfonso Lista Pump Irrigation System aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve rice output, and increase earnings for farmers in Ifugao province.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the Alfonso Lista Pump Irrigation System (ALPIS) in Ifugao, Philippines, a development project poised to significantly enhance the agricultural landscape of the municipality. The irrigation system is expected to expand irrigated farmland from 275 hectares to 2,300 hectares, drastically increasing rice production and improving the income of local farmers.
Prior to this project, limited irrigation coverage constrained rice cultivation, allowing only a single cropping season. With ALPIS fully operational, farmers can now cultivate their lands twice annually. Rice production is projected to surge from 900 metric tons to 26,000 metric tons, while farmers’ combined net income could rise from ₱16 million to ₱159 million.
The initiative also addresses critical water supply challenges exacerbated by severe droughts linked to El Niño phenomena. During the inauguration, President Marcos underscored the importance of expanding reliable irrigation access and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop solar-powered irrigation systems nationwide. The Philippines currently operates approximately 3,000 solar-powered irrigation systems to support agricultural water needs.
The ALPIS directly benefits about 1,315 farmers across four barangays: Sto. Domingo, Namnama, Namillangan, and Calupaan, empowering a vital segment of the agricultural community in Ifugao. This project aligns with broader goals to enhance food security, stimulate rural economies, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/1007203/marcos-inaugurates-pump-irrigation-system-to-boost-rice-production-and-farmers-income-in-ifugao/story/