Aklan gets P12-M road repair assistance

MANILA, Philippines – At least P12.6 million worth of equipment and vehicles for road repair and maintenance have been received by the provincial government of Aklan from the Australian government.

The latest assistance brought to P90.2 million the total amount of Australian investments in Aklan, including capacity development and actual physical works.

“We appreciate the assistance that the Australian government has extended to Aklan, not just for the rehabilitation of our roads but also in helping us develop better local capacity in managing and maintaining these roads,” Gov. Florencio Miraflores said during the turnover ceremony.

“These roads are the backbone of commerce and community in our province,” he added.

The assistance was made possible through the provincial road management facility (PRMF), a six-year development cooperation program between the governments of the Philippines and Australia.

Through the PRMF, Australia is helping provincial governments improve their systems of governance and capabilities in road management and maintenance.

Aside from Aklan, six other provinces in Mindanao and three in the Visayas are the beneficiaries of the PRMF.

Although Aklan has been in the program for only three years, it has improved its community-based maintenance contracting, tax revenue assessment and collection system and established the provincial internal audit office.