Marcos sees Ilocos Norte irrigation project as boost to tourism

ILOCOS NORTE - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sees the Sulvec Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in the Municipality of Pasuquin as a boost to the tourism of the area. 

Marcos said this as he graced the inauguration of the Sulvec Small Reservoir Irrigation Project on Friday.

He noted that the area where the dam is situated could be a potential tourist spot. 

''The NIA (National Irrigation Administration) is also planning to develop the Sulvec SRIP to accommodate a hydropower plant [and] facilities for recreation and tourism,'' Marcos said in his speech. 

''In fact, I was looking around. One of the things the we discovered when we do these things. While we have a dam, when we put a dam and there's a lake, immediately it is a potential tourist spot, and that’s something that we can think about,'' he added. 

The President is also eyeing to use this facility to supply additional electricity in the area. 

''And besides, what we can add to the hydroelectric power and the aquaculture that we are going to get from this Earthfill Dam is also the... Magpalutang tayo ng solar na --- para mayroon tayong power, para nga kung makapag-develop tayo ng tourist destination dito, mayroon na tayong pagkukuhanan ng kuryente,'' he added. 

The project aims to provide sustainable irrigation for the 705 hectares of farmland within the 10 barangays, with 1,045 farmers and their families as beneficiaries.

Marcos said the project is a testament to the Filipino mark of excellence ''which has contributed significantly to our efforts in rebuilding our nation and providing a better environment for the next generations.''

''To the officials and staff of NIA, your perseverance has led to the accomplishment of this project,'' Marcos said.

''And while we celebrate the realization of this undertaking, the challenge for us moving forward is to keep delivering [on] our promises and for the aspirations of our people,'' he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News