Bebot: P1B earmarked for several infra projects

CEBU, Philippines - At least P1 billion worth of infrastructure projects for Cebu City south district has been included in the proposed budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways for 2016.

Cebu City south district Representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa made the disclosure Wednesday night on the occasion of his 54th birthday celebration.

The amount, Abellanosa said, includes additional budget amounting to P500 million for the 700-meter Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) project at the busy intersection of F. Llamas Street and Natalio Bacalso Avenue.

“Duna namay na appropriate nga initial nga P376 million sa underpass, napun-an na og P500 million which is apil na sa P1 billion for next year,” he said.

Abellanosa said the projects are expected to be implemented by the first or second quarter of 2016.

“Murag karong buwana i-bidding, magdaog na and it would be set for implementation next year,” he said.

As of now, he said the DPWH started with the lot acquisition in the areas affected by the project.

“Usual process is to acquire the property. Nagsugod nana. Nang hatag na og notices. Naa na sa court ang katong expropriation sa mga wala nisugot. Okay na katong nisugot, nabayaran na,” he added.

Abellanosa said the DPWH has already appropriated the needed amount for the lot acquisition. He could not, however, remember the exact amount.

The P700-million underpass would be constructed to address flooding and traffic congestion in the city. It is Abellanosa’s pet project.

The project, however, was opposed by Mayor Michael Rama. The mayor said the project could not be implemented without road widening of the diversionary roads like Sabellano, Tagunol and other streets in the area.

Abellanosa said the additional budget already included the road widening of some streets.

The P1 billion proposed budget also included other road widening projects like that along C. Padilla which would further address the traffic situation of the South Road Properties following the opening of one of the biggest malls in the country.

“Apil ang widening sa C. Padilla street, labi na karon nga dakong traffic ang namugna sa pag-abli sa SM (Seaside City) sa SRP. Ang C. Padilla going to Mambaling, so mahulog nga artery kay karon, sikip pa kaayo na maong maka-apektar sa bottleneck sa eskina sa SRP sa eskina sa Mambaling,” he said.

Abellanosa is seeking for reelection next year. He will be up against City Councilor Gerardo Carillo. (FREEMAN)