Spain to put up P2 billion hydro-electric project in Ilocos Sur

QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — A top Malacañang official said yesterday that the Spanish government will fund a P2-billion hydro-electric project in this town.

Presidential Adviser for North Luzon Dr. Enrile Mendoza said that preparations are now underway for the construction of a seven-megawatt hydro-electric plant that will provide cheaper electricity to the province.

Mendoza said that Ilovos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson and Jose Miguel Cortez, Spanish Consul for Commerce and Economics, already had an agreement for the proposed project that will benefit thousands of farmers and poor people of this town and neighboring areas.

Singson had reportedly pledged to comply with the Kyoto protocol to offset carbon dioxide emission and other pollutants that may arise from the plant.

Mendoza said that the hydro-electric plant will accelerate the agro-forestry program of the government, including the promotion of quality tobacco, the number one source of income of the people in the province.

This is not the first time that Spain has provided programs in Ilocos Sur. In the past, it had granted various infrastructures projects and potable water supply in Vigan City.