DOTC awards P21.6-B projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded 100 projects worth P21.6 billion involving airports, seaports, and transport systems through competitive bidding last year.

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the agency had a hitting average of 70 percent as it awarded P21.58 billion worth of projects as against its total allotment of P30.74 billion last year.

 â€œThe DOTC awarded no less than 100 projects in 2013 alone: from the rehabilitation and improvement of numerous ports and airports across the country, to the supply of Coast Guard rescue equipment, to the master planning of Metro Manila transport systems.  These projects are now in various stages of implementation and completion,” Abaya said.

Abaya said the agency has one of the hardest working bids and awards committee (BAC). 

“I think we have one of the most hard-working bids and awards committees in government.  From the sheer number of projects bid out alone, their output speaks for itself.  No one should question their dedication to honest, competent, and effective public service,” he said.

Projects approved by the agency last year included port improvements in Meycauayan, Marinduque, and Siargao as well as airport upgrading works in Naga, Catarman, and Butuan and the installation of airfield lighting systems for the airports in Ozamiz, Dipolog, Roxas, and Cotabato.

 â€œWhile we are still rolling out our big ticket projects, we have been mindful of the plight of the majority of Filipinos who rely on these infrastructure facilities for their livelihood.  Fisherfolk who depend on functioning ports and wharves, agribusiness and commercial traders whose businesses count on air cargo transportation – they are already starting to benefit from these crucial projects,” Abaya said. 

The agency also awarded other projects such as the construction of a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro and a Land Transportation Office (LTO) District Office in Tangub City.

On the transportation side, Abaya said the DOTC also awarded contracts for the supply of magnetic tickets for the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) and the construction of various lots of “Kayo ang Boss Ko” or “KBK” toilet facilities for airports, seaports, and LTO and LTFRB offices in different regions of the archipelago.