DPWH okays P115M worth of city projects

CEBU, Philippines - Some P115 million worth of nationally-funded infrastructure projects in Cebu City will be implemented within this year.

This was revealed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama after his visit to the national office of the Department of Public Works and Highways yesterday.

Rama wanted to meet DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson but the latter was not there. So, he ended up seeing DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo.

“Because I was asking where we are on those commitments about the DOT (Department of Tourism)-DPWH convergence,” he said.

The P115 million worth of projects is from the proposed P293 million worth of infrastructure projects for Cebu City in line with the DOT-DPWH convergence program. 

Rama said that he does not have to “cry over spilled milk” over the unapproved projects because he was assured that these will be included for next year.

“It is good, better than nothing,” he said.

DOT-DPWH Convergence program aims to rehabilitate and construct the local and national roads which lead to tourism destinations.

The approved projects in the city are the rehabilitation and road concreting projects at A. Soriano Street, Barangay Carreta (P55 million), D. Gaisano Street B. Benedicto Street and 13th Avenue, Barangay Carreta (P55 million), Don Leon Kilat Street, Barangay Kalubihan (P25 million), and Doña Modesta Street, Barangay Lahug (P20 million).

“Naay mga project nila nga wala ma-approve ang uban, but I was assured nga ingon nila nga included daw sa 2015,” Rama said.

The unapproved projects in the city are the road rehabilitation and concreting projects along Legaspi Extension, Barangay San Roque (P23 million); N.G. Escario Street, Barangay Kamputhaw (P19 million); T. Padilla Street (P38 million); and E. Sabellano Street, Barangay Punta Princesa (P58 million).

Rama is hoping that the approved projects will be immediately acted on.

He said that these projects are essential in the preparation for the upcoming international events that Cebu City is eyeing to host.

These events include the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015 and the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.  (FREEMAN)