Guv, agrarian reform chief inaugurates projects in Balasan

GOVERNOR Arthur Defensor Sr. and Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes spearheaded on Tuesday the inauguration and turnover of various projects under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program (ARISP) in Balasan town.

The projects include the improvement of Panian-Lawis farm-to-market road; concreting of Maya, Tinguian, Santa Ana farm-to-market road; and the Lawis potable water system.

ILOILO. Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. and Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes open the faucet to test the newly inaugurated Lawis Potable Water System in Balasan, Iloilo on Tuesday. (Contributed photo)

The improvement of Panian-Lawis farm-to-market road amounted P8.5 million while the concreting of Maya, Tinguian, and Santa Ana farm-to-market road costs P29.3 million.

The bulk of the funding comes from the Japan government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and the National Government through the DAR.

Defensor asked De los Reyes for more projects in Iloilo as he committed to provide counterpart funds for them.

Defensor commended DAR for initiating projects in remote villages that directly benefit the community.

“I know these projects will truly change the lives of the people in the area. It could help a lot in alleviating their situation,” the governor said.

Also present in the activity were Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Fifth District Board Member Jett Rojas, Batad Mayor Pedro Alarcon, DAR Western Visayas officials, Balasan Mayor Filomeno Ganzon, Vice Mayor Simeon Ganzon and other municipal officials. (PR)