NEWSFLASH

ERAP TO CENTRAL VISAYAS TODAY

Manila, March 30, 2000 - President Estrada leaves today for a five-day working visit to Bohol, Cebu, Samar, and Leyte for a first-hand look at the progress of flood control projects, irrigation canals, coastal roads, and bridges he had ordered built to spur econonmic growth in Central and Eastern Visayan provinces.

In Leyte, the President will open Phase I of the Flood Mitigation Project built to conserve and improve the river condition of Anilao and Malbasag Rivers and eventually protect flood-prone Ormoc City.

On Nov. 5, 1991, Ormoc City was hit by a 45-minute flash flood at the height of typhoon Uring, a tragedy which took 8,000 and caused damage to property and infrastructure totalling P620 million.

The Ormoc City flood control project is constructed under a full grant from the government of Japan.

The President will inspect the repair work being undertaken on the San Juanico Bridge. He will also look into the ongoing South Samar Coastal Road Project and the CP 1-B-Cabugao-Binocyahan projects.

In Cebu, the President will visit the Taiyu Yuden Philippines at the Mactan Export Processing Zone.

Together with Local Government Secretary Alfredo S. Lim, the President will address delegates to the National Illegal Drugs Forum.

The President and members of his official party will then fly to Bohol for an aerial inspection of the Bohol Circumferential Road Project, Bohol Coconut Seed Garden, and the Integrated Irrigation Projects in the province.

The President will lead the groundbreaking rites for the Bohol Seaport Expansion Project and the Tagbilaran Airport Expansion Project after which he will meet with provincial and local officials discuss problems of the province.

The First Lady, Dr. Luisa "Loi"Ejercito-Estrada will join the President in Cebu City for the thanksgiving mass in celebration of the beatification of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

He will motor to Samboan, Cebu for the groundbreaking ceremonies of the Samboan-Badian Road Project Phases I and 2.