6 Mega projects expected to boost Pangasinan economy
BINALONAN–Five to six “mega” projects, aimed at supporting the province’s agriculture and tourism sectors, are expected to be completed before the end of the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2010.
Speaking during the formal inauguration of the Binalonan airfield, President Arroyo said the projects will boost opportunities in the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle (NLAQ), of which Pangasinan is a part.
The projects include an international airport, which she earlier announced would be built in Alaminos City, an international seaport in Sual, the extension of the expressway from Mabalacat all the way to Rosario, La Union, extension of the Manila North Rail from Clark to Dagupan City and San Fernando City; irrigation of the downstream areas of the San Roque dam, and the provision of water transportation that will connect Pangasinan to Benguet through the reservoir of San Roque dam.
Arroyo noted that some of these projects were recommended by former President Fidel Ramos for the benefit of Pangasinan.
Arroyo directed the Department of Transportation and Communication to complete its feasibility studies for the airport and seaport projects.
She also announced that the government has found a private group willing to bankroll the construction of the expressway extension from Mabalacat to Rosario, La Union under the build-operate transfer scheme.
She expressed no objection to the extension of the NorthRail, initially from Clark to Dagupan and from Dagupan to San Fernando City.
At the same time, President Arroyo directed Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, in charge of NLAQ Super Region, to release the initial P100 million allocated for the irrigation of the downstream areas of San Roque in order to spur agricultural production.
Noting that there is a body of water separating Pangasinan from Benguet that accumulated in the reservoir of San Roque, Arroyo ordered the conduct of a feasibility study that will introduce water transport system between the two points.—LM
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