Sasebo North Rotary Completes Solar Irrigation Project in the Philippines

 

On February 23, 2025, the Rotary Club of Sasebo North conducted the formal turnover ceremony for the "Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) for Pagsangahan Farmers" project, funded through Globa Grant # GG2350722. This initiative, approved on August 29, 2024, received $90,583 to improve agricultural productivity in Barangay Pagsangahan, San Francisco, Quezon Province, Philippines.

The project directly benefits the Pagsangahan Irrigators Association, comprising 68 rice farmers who cultivate around 1.5 hectares each. The SPIS aims to enhance irrigation efficiency, thereby increasing rice yields and farmers' incomes, which will also positively impact the local economy.

The first phase of the project involves installing two 10HP centrifugal pumps powered by solar panels, along with a pump house and catch basin, covering an area of 350-400 square meters. Additionally, a technical turnover was conducted to educate beneficiaries on the maintenance of the system.

The project was a collaborative effort that began in the Rotary Year 2020-21, evolving over several years and involving multiple Rotary clubs from Japan and the Philippines. The ceremony was attended by local officials, including the Mayor of San Francisco, Quezon, Kresna Fernandez, and coincided with Rotary's 120th anniversary.

The initiative focuses on water, sanitation, hygiene, and community economic development, aiming to foster sustainable agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. After the ceremony, the Japanese delegation returned to Metro Manila for a farewell dinner, concluding their visit.