The Provincial Development Council (PDC) has officially endorsed to the Regional Development Council two ambitious projects aimed at providing year-round irrigation and increased agricultural production to farmlands in the province: the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project, Stage II and Rehabilitation of Sta. Barbara National Irrigation System.
Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project, Stage II has a total project cost of P15 billion while the rehabilitation of the Sta. Barbara National Irrigation System is estimated to cost P197.5 million.
The endorsement of the two projects to be undertaken by the National Irrigation Administration was made during the meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) today.
The PDC also approved during the meeting the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) for calendar year 2008-2013, Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP) for calendar year 2008-2013, and Annual Investment Program (AIP) for 2011.
The three plan documents contain the priorities of Governor Arthur Defensor’s administration aimed at enhancing the quality of life of the people through quality and accessible education, social welfare and related services, as well as improved health services and agricultural productivity.
The approval of PDPFP, PDIP, and AIP came after the said documents have undergone sectoral review from the various participants.
Present in the meeting were municipal mayors, representatives from various socio-civic organizations, and department heads of the provincial government.
Major programs to be financed under the three plan documents include: hospital enhancement program, acquisition of much needed equipment, upgrading/improvement of bridges and provincial roads, agricultural development program, watershed protection and rehabilitation, animal health management program, integrated coastal management, sports infrastructure program, etc.
The council also selected as PDC co-chair League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter president and Anilao Mayor Ma. Teresa Debuque.
Debuque thanked Defensor for involving the mayors in the deliberation of the PDIP and AIP projects. (ECGarcia/Capitol PIO)
BALITA HALIN SA KAPITOLYO 