Marcos says irrigation project in Bohol also helps in controlling flood

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday led the inauguration of the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, which he also sees as a flood control initiative. 

Aside from providing irrigation, Marcos said this project will also boost tourism in Calape, Bohol.  

''Ito ngang lugar na ito, ang naging karanasan namin, ‘yung mga tinatayo naming mga ganito na mga dam, na mga SWIP (small water imponding project), mga kung – basta’t water impounding, nagiging tourist destination. Dahil tama nga naman, maganda nga naman dito. Sinasabi ko kay Gov. (Erico) Aumentado eh lagyan natin ng kaunting bubong, ng kaunting cover dito,'' Marcos said. 

(This area, in our experience, these SWIP are also transformed into a tourist destination. It has become a beautiful place. I told Gov. Erico Aumentado to put a roof or cover here.) 

''Ang lagay ay pang-picnic ng tao dito. Ang sarap nga naman magkape-kape dito at tinitingnan ‘yung tubig ‘di ba? Kaya’t another – it’s another – another use. May isa pang gamit kasi ito hindi lang nga irrigation, flood control pa ito,'' he added.

(Residents can have their picnic here. They can drink coffee while looking at the waters. It has another use. It's not only for irrigation but also a flood control.)

The Calunasan SRIP seeks to provide a sustainable and reliable water source through the construction of a zoned earth fill dam, along with its associated structures, canal lining and canal systems.  

This project is expected to improve agricultural productivity, increase cropping intensity and reduce irrigation costs. It is anticipated to irrigate approximately 300 hectares of agricultural land, benefiting around 400 farmers in the area.

Aside from the inauguration, Marcos also inspected the PhilHealth's Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan to check its operations and processes at Mandaug Elementary School in Barangay Abucayan Sur in Calape. 

Marcos launched YAKAP as he wants a transformative effort to build a stronger and healthier nation. The program is an enhanced and expanded version of the previous Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama), launched by the state insurer in 2021. —AOL, GMA Integrated News