School buildings cheaper to build if put up by LGUs

CEBU, Philippines - School buildings cost less to construct when undertaken by local government units.

Talisay City Councilor Rodolfo "Rodi" Cabigas has proposed a resolution authorizing Mayor Socrates Fernandez to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the implementation of a school building program.

Cabigas, who is the chairman of the committee on public works and infrastructures, said the proposal allows the city government to take over the construction of a two-story school building at Tangke Elementary School.

Released for the school building completion through an allotment, SARO No. B-12-01051 dated November 7, 2012, issued by the Department of Budget and Management was P 1,584,000.00.

Cabigas said the Department of Education has requested the DPWH to authorize the LGU to undertake the implementation of the project.

Since the DPWH has already evaluated the city having the adequate capability to implement the project, Cabigas said the evaluation approved by the concerned DPWH official, needs council approval prior to the transfer.

Under the 1999 General Appropriations Act (GAA) R.A. No. 8745 and the Public Works and Highways Infrastructure Program Act R.A. No. 8150, nationally funded infrastructure project may be implemented by the Local Government Units with the demonstrated capability to undertake the projects themselves, upon prior consultation with and written concurrence/request of the representatives or congressmen concerned. (FREEMAN)