The Cagayan Valley Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC2) conducted a Field Monitoring Visit (FMV) to select projects in the region on May 17 to 19, 2022. These include 11 projects of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA); two bridge projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 2 (DPWH R2) in Camalaniugan and Amulung, Cagayan; two Cagayan River dredging of DPWH R2 at Lal-lo and Gattaran, Cagayan; and the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project of the National Irrigation Administration R2 (NIA R2) in Tuao, Cagayan.

On bridge projects, the Camalaniugan Bridge once completed in 2023 will be an alternate route to the Magapit Suspension Bridge in Lal-lo, Cagayan. The 2.16-kilometer bridge has an approved budget of Php 2.4 billion. Currently, the project is 22.58 percent complete.  The Amulung Bridge worth Php 1.2 billion will connect the eastern part of Amulung to its western side, from Barangay Anquiray to Barangay Abolo. The bridge has a length of 901 meters with approach roads of 219 meters and 220 meters on both sides.

On dredging operations in the Cagayan River, installation and filling of geotextile tubes along the river banks in Barangay Bangag, Lal-lo, Cagayan has started. Dredged materials are filled inside these tubes to protect the embankment from further erosion. Meanwhile, the dredging operation at Barangay Dummun and Barangay Casicallan, Gattaran, Cagayan is ongoing. Once completed, the projects will re-establish the smooth flow of water in the Cagayan River, mitigating flooding in low-lying areas.

The Php 4.5 billion Chico River Pump Irrigation Project will irrigate 8,700 hectares of farmlands and benefit 5,000 farmers in the towns of Tuao and Piat in Cagayan and Pinukpuk in Kalinga. The project is ahead of schedule where 83.88 percent is already completed. The construction of the pumphouse and installation of electro-mechanical units are now completed. Electricity will soon be tapped to operate the six pump engines. NIA R2 is eyeing to inaugurate the pumphouse before the end of the term of President Duterte.# NRO2 – PMED