Okay of P14-B Central Luzon dam proj urged

By George Trillo

TARLAC CITY — Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap and Tarlac Gov. Victor A. Yap have asked Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Ralph G. Recto to evaluate and endorse the P14.3-billion Balog Balog multi-purpose project to the NEDA Investment Coordinating Council.

"This project is proposed to be implemented through the build-operate-transfer scheme and calls for construction of a 113.5-meter-high rock-fill dam across the Bursa River," the agriculture secretary stated in his letter to Recto.

"It will have a reservoir capacity of 625 cubic meters and a power plant that can generate 32 megawatts of hydroelectric power," Gov. Yap said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Yap received last Feb. 20 top officials of Henan, China, Tarlac’s sister province, who attended a briefing on the BBMP project at the National Irrigation Administration office here.

"The Henan officials expressed interest in the BBMP because this time around, they asked clarificatory technical questions and secured project documents," said Dr. Vicente Vicmudo, BBMP project manager.

In his letter to Recto, Sec. Yap said "at full operation, the project can provide a year-round supply of irrigation water to some 39,150 hectares and generate additional employment opportunities for the local residents and increase the income of our farmer-beneficiaries."

"The project is included in the Department of Agriculture’s Medium-Term Public Investment Plan and NIA’s budget strategy. Its goal and objectives are in line with DA’s priority," Sec. Yap said.