CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project allocated more than P140 million to nine local government units in Central Visayas.
Cebu has the biggest share of the amount with over P88 million.
DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo O. Dichoso said the protection and rehabilitation of the country’s coastal resources depend very critically on the collaboration among local government units and other stakeholders.
Dichoso said that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje has instructed the regional office to provide technical or administrative assistance to LGUs so that the funds would be released immediately.
For Cebu, six municipalities will benefit from the project: Aloguinsan, for the construction of riverbank protection facility worth P7,036,815.50; Ronda, for the expansion and rehabilitation of Ronda wharf worth P19,840,397.00; Alcoy for the improvement and expansion of Level III water system with P19,813,920; Carmen for the construction of Cantumog-Luyang river flood control system worth P30 million; Dalaguete for the construction of Dalaguete wastewater treatment facility worht P6.5 million; and Samboan for the construction of ecotourism park and visitor center with a budget of P5,148,550.
DENR leads the implementation of ICRMP with funding from the Asian Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility supported by other national agencies like Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Agriculture and Department of Budget and Management in partnership with LGUs. — (FREEMAN)