Bohol rehab many LGUs fail to submit their POWs yet

CEBU, Philippines – AT least eight local government units in Bohol failed to submit their respective program of work needed for the rehabilitation of their public buildings and structures destroyed or affected by the magnitude-7.2 earthquake that shattered the province last year.

According to the Department of Interior and Local Government, these towns are Cortes, Maribojoc, Sikatuna, Inabanga, San Isidro, Batuan, Garcia-Hernandez and Pilar.

Cortes has supposedly 15 rehabilitation projects; Maribojoc – 67; Sikatuna – 20; Inabanga – 53; San Isidro – 32; Batuan – 24; G-hernandez – 11; and Pilar – 20.

Of the total 1,065 projects for post-earthquake rehabilitation, only 388 were submitted, DILG said. These propjects containing the POW are now under review prior to their approval and consequently issuance of what DILG called certificate of availability of funds for the eventual release of the money in time for bidding.

The towns of Bilar, Anda, Getafe, Bien-Unido and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia did not prepare any POW because they were not affected by the tremor, Ma. Loisella Lucino, DILG provincial director told the media at the Governor’s Mansion.

The LGUs that have already submitted complete POWs for all their projects are: Danao and Trinidad towns (each with 28 of 28 projects); Tagbilaran City (26 of 26); Dagohoy (19 of 19); Tubigon (14 of 14); Alburquerque (nine for nine); Lila (eight of eight); Guindulman (six of six); Ubay and Duero (four of four each); and Dauis, Mabini and Panglao (one of one each).

Those that have only accomlished POWs partially are: Loon (30 of 56); Loboc (21 of 30); Carmen (19 of 24); Valencia (18 of 22); Talibon (13 out of 43); Balilihan (13 of 25); Buenavista (11 of 75); Sevilla (nine of 14); Loay (eight of 44);Catigbian (eight of 29); Dimiao (seven of nine); Corella (seven of 16); Candijay (seven of eight); Calape (six of 49); Jagna (six of 16); Sierra-Bullones (six of seven); San Miguel (five of 11); Clarin (four of 13); Baclayon (three of four); Sagbayan (two of 63); Antequera (one of 26); and Alicia (one of 24). .

Days after the quake, the province asked the national government for P12 billion for the recovery and rehabilitation from destruction due to the earthquake that cost more than 200 lives, more than 800 injured and scores missing.

President Benigno Aquino III was quoted by news report as saying that his administration has allotted P5 billion for the purpose, as endorsed by Budget Secretary Butch Abad during his visit in November last year.

Then June 2014 came and the national government, through Interior Secretary Mar Roxas had caused the turn- over of a P2.3-billion check to Governor Edgar Chatto. The fund was intended for the rehabilitation of mostly public buildings, such as municipal/town/barangay halls and other barangay facilities.

Capitol sources said, in part: “Based on the rehabilitation and recovery plan submitted by Bohol government, the province needs P1.598 billion to rebuild/repair houses; P4.988 billion for roads, bridges and water system;  P1.183 billion for schools; P864.03 million for ports; and P834.77 million for municipal halls, gymnasiums, barangay (village) halls, daycare centers, parks and plazas, among others.”