San Roque Power Corporation Fetes FVR and Opens Reservoir Cruise

Lingayen - - Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the provincial government of Pangasinan during the unveiling of a marker to honor former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos and the launch of the San Roque Reservoir Boat at the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) on March 12 in the municipality of San Manuel. The SRPC, which officially started operations in 2003, also tendered a special birthday celebration for Ramos after the activities. “There is a lot of room indeed, for tourism in Pangasinan that are just waiting to be tapped to attract more investors,” Espino said even as he expressed gratitude to the former President for his continuing love for the province. The governor stressed that the San Roque Multi-Purpose Cooperative of the SRPC is a big boost also for agriculture since tilapia fingerlings are being bred inside its facilities. “Malaking bagay ito lalo at may kapital sila, may mga Japanese friends and investors sila at kumpleto ang SRPC sa facilities at housing for employees. Hopefully, magkakaroon pa ng maraming boats saka insurance sa rides na rin to attract more tourists,” according to Espino. A simple program was held at 10 a.m where ambassadors, dignitaries, foreign investors, local government officials and other important personalities conveyed their warmest appreciation to Ramos for being instrumental in the establishment of the SRPC. The marker reads “President Fidel Valdez Ramos (1992-1998)- For his vision and determined political will that resulted in the construction of the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam. Farmers now irrigate their farms yearly; Less power shortages in the country; Flooding has been mitigated in downstream communities; Downstream water quality has been improved; and People now enjoy new livelihood opportunities.” Ramos, who chose to speak before the crowd under the direct heat of the noontime sun, compared the SRPC to an ancient but functioning project in Japan, as he stressed that dams should be built with a strong foundation for it to remain strong. Other VIPs who delivered their messages during the marker’s unveiling were Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe, SRPC President and CEO Ryukichi Kawaguchi, Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, Marubeni Corporation Senior Executive Vice President Mamoru Sekiyama and Kansai Electric Power Company Senior Executive Hidehiko Yukawa. Ramos later led the dignitaries in the reservoir cruise inside a cozy ferry boat that can accommodate 25 persons. (PIO/Sheila H. Aquino)