Pulso expose multi-million projects on energy, water and agrifacilities

(L-R: Ben Pacris, panelist Engr. Santiago Gorospe, Jr, (Manager, NIA 1st District); Engr. George Yorobi (Technical Consultant, Gorban Industry Phils.); Dr. Henry Mendoza, co-host; Engr. Felipe Mateo (Consultant, Tomato Paste Plant) and Eddie Lontoc, show executive producer)

Recently, three agencies have exposed to Pulso ti Ilocandia the importance and contribution of multi-million projects on energy, water and agricultural facilities in the economic growth of the province of Ilocos Sur. The keynote sources of information were Engr. George Yorobi, Technical Consultant of Gorban Industry Philippines, Engr. Santiago Gorospe, Jr, Manager of National Irrigation Administration, 1st District and Engr. Felipe Mateo, Consultant of Tomato Paste Plant.
Engr. Yorobi tackled the “waste energy project,” of the Department of Energy (DOE), which he made mention as the prime reason of his presence in Ilocos Sur. He said that he is “eyeing” the potential of the province particularly Metro Vigan for the implementation of this very good project under the Clean Air Act of 1999. The holistic view of the said project is to convert biodegradable waste materials into energy in order to lower the cost of electricity in the Philippines. He described the project as cheap source of energy, environment-friendly and the solution to widespread waste problem in the country. The benefits derived from the plant also includes methane which can be collected for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), hydrogen gas, which can be used as fuel for hydrogen cars and asphalt which can be used to improve farm-to market roads. He also revealed that they push through the implementation of the project because it has significant effect on the economic progress of the province. However, in order for this project to be realized it must meet the most important requirement. Yorobi said that the project needs at least 80 tons of garbage per day to make it operational and sustainable.
“Addatan ta danum, rumbeng laeng nga aywanantayo…” said Engr. Gorospe as he detailed the highlights of the 2.4 multi-billion Banaoang Pump Irrigation System project in Ilocos Sur. He clarified that the said project started its operation since last year. Gorospe told to Pulso that in the project plan it targeted to provide service to 7000 hectares of agricultural lands. But, at present it has irrigated 5,200 hectares of farmlands. He added that the project will be expanded to accomplish its lacking target area. Said project covers agricultural lands from the 1st district towns of the province: Bantay, Vigan, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, Caoayan, San Vicente and Magsingal, which primary aim to enhance productivity and boost the income of farmers.
On the other hand, Engr. Mateo construed that tomato production is a good source of income for farmers. In order to encourage the farmers to plant tomato they have implemented a program extending assistance from planting up to the transport of the products in the plant. They have also imposed reasonable price of the product which is Php 2.50/ kilo. And an incentive of additional 20 centavos per kilo will be given if the farmer produces 50 tons of tomato per hectare. #