Bohol dam backed by irrigation body

CEBU, Philippines - The National Irrigation Administration has endorsed a public-private partnership (PPP) the construction of the P4 billion mega dam in Bohol.

Once completed, the project is expected to help make Central Visayas food sufficient with Bohol as anchor.

NIA Administrator Florencio Padernal guaranteed his endorsement to Bohol second district Representative Erico Aris Aumentado during their meeting recently.

The project was a dream of Aumentado’s father, late Bohol governor Erico Aumentado, to construct the northeastern multipurpose irrigation system that will irrigate an estimated 19,000 hectares of arable land in the second district.

Antonieto Pernia, a member of the Economic Development Advisory Board of the office of Rep. Aumentado, said the multipurpose dam is unique because it will also produce a 10-megawatt hydro-electric power, potable water to mountain barangays, a flood control component and a tourism site using the dam and its forested environment for public park.

“This project had been conceptualized during the time of the late governor Aumentado and pursued by his son, Cong. Aris in line with the food sufficiency agenda of government,” Pernia said.

There are at least four interested participants who want to undertake this first mammoth PPP project of Bohol whom Pernia refused to divulge, saying the contractors are still conducting feasibility studies.

Bohol has reportedly consolidated its position as the number one rice producer in Central Visayas with irrigation facilities, hybridization and government support.

The provincial government and the Department of Agriculture are working to sustain the primacy of Bohol in rice production of Central Visayas through its convergence strategy in the rice hybridization program. — Gregg M. Rubio/JMO (FREEMAN)