LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur – President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo announced here today the infusion of P.9 billion for
the Bicol River Basin and Water Management Project (BRBWMP) which has
been touted as the "catalyst" to spur the Bicol region's economic
take-off.
Speaking at the launch of the 10-megawatt biomass power plant this
morning, the President said that of the amount, P700 M will fund the
construction of the Libmanan-Cabusao irrigation system; while P200 M
will augment the funds for the ongoing construction of embankments and
floodgates along the Bicol River in the towns of Libmanan and Cabusao.
The BRBWMP, a six-year development initiative that began in 2004 under
Executive Order 359, is a comprehensive program on natural resources
management within the context of a river basin. Its watershed area is
located in the first district of Camarines Sur
whose congressman, Rep. Diosdado "Dato" Arroyo, is the
President's younger son.
The President called on Rep. Arroyo's constituents to join in the
government's reforestation efforts so as to maintain and preserve
the watershed located in their area. "Ang
first district ng Camarines Sur ay watershed ng Bicol River Basin. Kaya
kailangang manguna ang distrito sa pag-aalaga ng mga punongkahoy.
Prayoridad natin ang pagpapatupad sa Bicol River Basin Project, na
sinasakop ang forest management, irrigation at flood control.”
In line with this, the President pointed out that the bulk of this new
funding will go to the BRBWMP's major components on forest
management, irrigation and flood control.
On forest management, the President said that some P129 million from the
budget allocation for the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) had been earmarked for reforestation of the
BRBWMP.The President also gave
out checks to the 10 towns located in the first district for their
reforestation program.
"Iba-iba ang amounts kasi iba-iba ang kalakihan ng mga bayan," the
President said, adding that towns with 30,000 or less
population would get P1 million while the towns with the largest
population could receive up to P6 million.
"Gagastos tayo ng P700 million para sa dam (and gravity type of
irrigation system) para magkaroon ng 4,000 ektaryang madidiligan
ng Libmanan-Cabusao (irrigation system)," the
President said to thunderous applause and
cheer from concerned residents as the present dam irrigates only 1,500
hectares of land.
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