ROSALES–Governor Amado Espino Jr. has sought the completion of the multi-billion Agno and Allied Rivers Urgent Rehabilitation Project (AARURP), whose third and final phase is a possible delay or being abandoned after the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) withdrew its commitment to finance the project.

Espino brought the status of the project to the attention of President Benigno Aquino III when the latter came to barangay Tumana here last April 8 to inaugurate the state-of-the-art flood forecasting and warning system (FFWS) of the Agno River Basin donated by JICA.

Phase I of the AARURP from Lingayen to Bayambang, funded by JICA, was completed in May 2005. Phase II from Bayambang to Alcala, also funded by JICA, is already almost complete

However, construction of Phase III of the project from Sto. Tomas to San Manuel, where the San Roque Multi-purpose Dam Project is located, hangs in the balance when JICA pulled out while in the middle of negotiation for the continued funding of the project.

Espino said Phase III of AARURP is estimated to cost around P3.65 billion and is designed to ease flooding in the low-lying areas and riverside settlements in the upstream municipalities in eastern Pangasinan.

The governor stressed to the President that the project will ensure the safety of the people and contribute to the sustained development of the province of Pangasinan as a whole.

At the same time, Espino thanked Aquino for continuing with the construction a giant re-regulating pond project just down below the San Roque Multi-purpose Dam  Project.

When completed, this project can hold water that can irrigate an additional 69,000 hectares of farmlands in eastern and central Pangasinan.

The governor also sought the support of Aquino for the construction of the Sual seaport, 
which broke ground during the past administration.–LM

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