Officials here opened the long-awaited PHP8.5-billion Flood Risk Management Project (FRIMP) on Friday.

The FRIMP, which started construction in 2014, was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Mayor Rolando Uy during the inauguration event, said the project is a vital infrastructure that would protect the people from floods.

“This project does not only provide the city yet another thoroughfare, but a boulevard that exposes the beauty and charm of the Cagayan River,” he said.

Uy also urged Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan to expedite the remaining FRIMP currently under construction in the upper parts of the river.

The DPWH is the implementing agency responsible for the completion of FRIMP in the city.

The FRIMP is the result of DPWH’s River Basin Master Plan which included the city after the incident of the tropical storm “Sendong” in 2011. (PNA)