Regional Director Engr. Diosdado Rosales of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) expressed optimism for the full implementation of the multi-billion Northeast Basin Multi-Purpose Dam project next year.  Rosales said the project feasibility was already completed and favorably recommended. The detailed feasibility study is expected to be completed this year and negotiation on fund sources would likely take place sometime next year, Rosales said.  The project cost is estimated at P3 billion that, if completed, could irrigate some 12,500 hectares of rice farmlands in the hinterland part of the province.

 The project, which is the brainchild of the late governor and congressman Erico B. Aumentado covers the towns of Danao, San Miguel, Trinidad and Bien-Unido.  San Miguel is already enjoying the fruits of the huge Bayongan Dam through the efforts of the late Rep. Aumentado. Bohol is now being served by two other dams in Pilar and Ubay towns.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation and restoration of existing but dilapidated irrigation canals in Pilar and Ubay are now the focus of the NIA, Rosales said.  He said maintenance and rehabilitation of these irrigation facilities are crucial to attain rice sufficiency and food security, not only in Central Visayas but nationwide, which is the thrusts of P-Noy. (SEN GUINGGUING & RVO)