LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - Gov. Victor E. Agbayani is pushing for the inclusion of another flood control project covering the Sinocalan and Cayanga River Systems in the implementation of the North Luzon Agri-business Super Region.

In his letter to Presidential Management Staff Director General Arthur Yap, Gov. Agbayani pointed out that the absence of said flood control project is the primary cause of flooding in central and northern Pangasinan traversed by the two river systems.

“Non-inclusion of said flood control will negate gain made in agriculture,” he said.

However, the governor said the completion of the first phase of the Agno and Allied Rivers Urgent Rehabilitation Project and operation of the San Roque Dam has “greatly reduced flooding in the municipalities along the Agno River System.”

He cited in particular the major role of the San Roque Dam in the implementation of the North Luzon Agri-business super region once the irrigation component of the dam is realized, which requires huge investment for the construction of a re-regulating pond.

“To allow for the inclusion of other vital projects, we believe that the origional P7.86 billion cost of the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP) can be reduced through strategic project phasing and more viable, cost-efficient and attainable project design,” Gov. Agbayani said.

The governor also endorsed the inclusion of the improvement of the Urdaneta City Bagsakan Market.

Yap recently led a consultation meeting on the super-region scheme in Dagupan City.

Under the plan, the national government will spend P5 billion for the ARIIP which is expected to irrigate about 35,000 hectares of cropland in Pangasinan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

The completion of the San Roque Dam irrigation project is expected to produce additional P2.2 million bags of palay each year. (PIO)