MANILA – Payments for plant damages and other improvements affected by the construction of Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase II-North and South Main Canal are continuously being processed.
As of to date, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said about 970 families were affected and resettled as the project verged into its full-blown implementation.
That is why NIA BBMP II, together with the local government units and other government agencies, work hand- in-hand to synchronize their efforts to help affected communities.
NIA Region 3 Manager and BBMP Project Manager Engr. Josephine Salazar, during one of the discussions with local officials, said local executives claimed that much sought and long-awaited construction of BBMP II was a green light for the unhindered development of Tarlac.
Smooth relocation of the Project Affected Families (PAFs) prior to the construction of Balog-balog high dam is in progress.
Resettlement site development II, slope protection/rip rapping, construction of core house, construction of community structures at San Jose area, and construction of water and electrical system at Mambog, Sula, San Jose, Tarlac are some of the construction activities under the resettlement program this year.
The recent data also revealed that the construction of the Diversion Tunnel pegged at Php897 million and repair and upgrade of Tarlac Diversion Dam, which costs Php140 million, were both on-going.
The South Main canal packages 1 and 2, which were bid out last year, were already given the Notice of Award.
Once completed, the project will provide year-round irrigation to about 34,410 hectares of farmlands in the municipalities of Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, Victoria, Gerona, San Jose, La Paz, Capas, Concepcion and Tarlac City.
The mega dam is set to increase rice production within the area by 177.5 percent from 126,480 metric tons to 350,980 metric tons which will support at least 23,000 farmers and the rice per capita consumption of the Tarlaqueños. (PNA) RMA/PR/LDV