DPWH earmarks P7.5B for infra projects in CV

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways has allocated about P7.5 billion budget for infrastructure projects in Central Visayas this year.

The bulk of the amount was earmarked for projects under the 6th Engineering District covering the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu and the town of Cordova.

DPWH-7 director Ador Canlas said that the appropriation is given mostly to the 6th district engineering office because of the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2015.

Canlas said Cebu will once again host the APEC Summit wherein some of the activities will already start by the yearend.

Among the projects to be implemented are the rehabilitation of Serging Osmeña Avenue, completion of the Mactan Circumferential Road, Naga-Carcar road widening, Cebu South Coastal roads, and some sections in Talisay, Sibonga, and Dumanjug.

“Major part of the funds for Cebu is actually part of the DOT-DPWH convergence and also the APEC related projects are implemented in preparation for the event,” Canlas said.

He added that the department has the opportunity to develop these local roads that would lead to tourist destinations even if their mandate is just to develop national roads.

Canlas clarified that infrastructure projects covered by the said budget do not include the calamity fund allocated for the rehabilitation of the Yolanda and earthquake affected areas.

The DPWH-7 has also other projects funded from the allocations from other agencies like the school building program of Department of Education, rural health unit of Department of Health, among others.

“School buildings today are more costly but they are more durable and stable as compared to previous buildings,” he said.

Canlas explained that this is because they are told to build infrastructures that are more resilient to calamities.

“Ngayon lang po nagkaroon ng maraming projects ang DPWH… I hope you’ll bear with us,” he said.

Canlas assured that all infrastructure projects in primary and secondary national roads will be implemented before President Benigno Aquino III’s term ends.

“By 2016 all the unpaved roads will be paved. This will include not only primary but also secondary roads,” he said.

Canlas, however, said that they are also met with several challenges in the implementation of the projects. These include the acquisition of the road right-of-way, calamities and delay in the release of funds, among others.

They have also been the receiving-end of criticisms because of environmental issues. He cited the ongoing Naga-Carcar road widening project wherein several century-old acacia trees are affected.

“We had to redesign… gihimo na og bike lanes ug jogging lanes, just like the project in Mactan circumferential road,” he said.

He, however, assured that the DPWH-7 has nothing to do with the news on illegal cutting of trees.

“There was no instruction from us (DPWH), in fact, we have coordinated with the DENR, LGU, Parks and Playground Commission,” he said, pertaining to the missing trees along the Serging Osmeña Avenue. — (FREEMAN)