Talisay bares biggest projects for next year

CEBU, Philippines - The construction of a master drainage plan, acquisition of road right of way, and the implementation of a local shelter program will be among the biggest projects that the administration of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez will undertake next year.

Talisay City Councilor Rodi Cabigas, who is the chairman of the committee on appropriation, budget management and ways and means, said the planned investments cover various top priority programs and projects.

Based on the summary of the AIP allocation, the social services component will receive the biggest funding with P372.6 million from the total investment of P962,173,200 for 2013.

It is followed by the social services with an allocation of P362.6 million, and general services with P226.8 million.

Cabigas said the city government has allocated P50 million for the master drainage system for an integrated drainage system in the city.

Among the flood-prone areas identified is barangay Cansojong, whose creek takes in water from barangays Poblacion and Tabunok as well.

The creek runs toward the neighboring coastal villages of Tanke and San Roque.

Other flood-prone areas are barangays Bulacao, Cansojong, and Tanke.

Bulacao normally gets flooded during heavy rains, rendering a portion of the national highway impassable to motorists and pedestrians.

Cabigas said the city has authorized Mayor Socrates Fernandez to negotiate with any reliable financial institution for a loan to finance the city’s integrated drainage master plan.

Cabigas said the city lacks the means at present to carry out a comprehensive drainage masterplan that will cost at least P120 million.

For the city to get a loan, the bank requires an initial implementation of the project and the comprehensive drainage master plan.

Other allocations in the AIP include the P50 million for the acquisition of a road right of way and construction of a circumferential road from Lagtang to Tabunok.