Arroyo to inaugurate P1.31-B irrigation project in Quirino

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo will inaugurate on Wednesday a P1.31-billion dam irrigation project designed to increase rice and corn production in Cagayan Valley. A Malacañang statement said the Addalam Dam Irrigation Project is one of the "big-ticket projects" of the Department of Agriculture (DA). On hand to assist her will be Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, and Quirino Rep. Junie Cua. The project in Aglipay village in San Agustin town involves the construction of a diversion dam across the Addalam River, canal distribution system, drainage network and access and service roads. It is expected to result in a twofold increase in the rice and corn production in the area with the irrigation of some 5,830 hectares of farmlands in Aglipay and Saguday towns, and Jones and Echague in nearby Isabela province. Quirino province ranks third in corn production, and fourth in rice production in the region. The Palace statement said the irrigation project would also bolster Isabela's status as the country's top rice-producing province. Construction of the Addalam River Irrigation Project started in March 2007 and will be fully completed in Dec. 2009. So far, it has irrigated some 1,000 hectares of agricultural lands. President Arroyo will also join on Wednesday thousands of residents in celebrating the 37th founding anniversary of Quirino province. Panagdadapun 2008 started on Sept. 8 and will end on Wednesday. The President will also lead in the distribution of seven flatbed dryers, vegetable seed packs, and three checks worth P3.2 million under the Land Bank's Rice Production Loan Program. - GMANews.TV