NEUST deploys first Solar-Powered Irrigation Trailer to Tarlac cooperative

SAN MANUEL, TARLAC – In a significant step toward sustainable agriculture, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) deployed the first of its Solar Irrigation Trailer Units to the Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative in Barangay Matarranoc on September 16, 2025.

The deployment is a key initiative under the Department of Science and Technology Region III’s (DOST III) 2024 Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program titled “Empowering and Developing SMART-READY Central Luzon Communities through Sustainable Science and Technology Solutions,” which aims to provide scientific and technological interventions to rural communities.

The handover ceremony was attended by officials from DOST Region III, NEUST, the Local Government Unit of San Manuel, and the members of the local cooperative.

In his address, Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat, Regional Director of DOST Region III, emphasized the program’s goal of empowerment. “Let us cherish the assistance provided by the government. This type of ‘ayuda’ is more important because it represents empowerment. We want to provide you with equipment so you can further enhance your own livelihoods,” Dr. Sicat stated.

Echoing this sentiment, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo highlighted the university’s role in bringing technology directly to the people. “This initiative is part of the broader 2024 CEST program of DOST III, which aims to deliver sustainable development to our community,” Dr. Jugo said. “Science and technology should not remain confined to laboratories and classrooms. Instead, they must be experienced and utilized by every citizen, especially farmers.”

The mobile solar-powered unit is designed to provide a sustainable and cost-effective water solution for agricultural operations, reducing farmers’ reliance on traditional fuel-based pumps and their associated costs.

Project Leader Engr. Elmer Espiritu, a faculty member at the NEUST College of Engineering, outlined the deployment terms, explaining that the cooperative could assume full ownership of the unit after one year, contingent upon proper care, usage, and compliance with documentation requirements. During this period, NEUST and DOST will monitor the machine’s usage and provide technical assistance. The unit’s solar panels have an estimated lifespan of 25 years.

In response, Eulogio Cabiles, Chairperson of the Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative, accepted the unit and committed to its responsible use and maintenance.

Following the ceremony, Engr. Espiritu and Engr. Alberto Tinio, along with the supplier, conducted a hands-on training session for cooperative members covering proper operation, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures.

The Solar Irrigation Trailer Unit is projected to benefit the cooperative’s 105 members by supporting irrigation for 28 hectares of onion crops and 70 hectares dedicated to rice, corn, and high-value crops such as string beans, squash, ampalaya, and okra.

This deployment is the first of six initial units to be released. Five additional units are scheduled for deployment to beneficiaries in the province of Aurora.

As the implementing agency, NEUST is responsible for the fabrication, deployment, and monitoring of all 14 units planned for the region.

The event was also attended by Karen Dañez, Provincial Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) of Tarlac; Jett Feliciano, CEST Unit Head of DOST III; and Provincial Director Leidi Mel Sicat of PSTO-Nueva Ecija.

NEUST officials in attendance included Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training; Dr. Marivic Villegas, Director of the Extension Services Department; Engr. Jeric Aduna, Dean of the College of Engineering; Project Team Member Engr. Jay-ar Vicente, representatives from the Supply Office, and selected COE faculty.

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