DPWH told: Fast track asphalting

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways-7 allegedly failed to coordinate with the Cebu City government in the implementation of the simultaneous road asphalt-paving in the city, which is a violation of the Local Government Code.

The City Council has directed DPWH-7 to fast track the project to ease inconvenience among motorists, riding public and ordinary citizens.

In an executive session yesterday, Marilyn Ojeda, DPWH-7 planning and design division head, claimed that their project engineers have coordinated with and consulted the barangay officials and civil society as to the implementation of the road rehabilitation project, contrary to what the Association of Barangay Councils president said.

ABC president Philip Zafra said there were no communications sent to his office from DPWH for the road repairs.

“I did not receive any communication or visit from DPWH personnel,” Zafra said.

Barangay captains of Labangon, Guadalupe and Sto. Niño who were present during the session were irked by the DPWH statements. 

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, a lawyer, cited a provision under Sec. 25 of the LGC which requires “the national agencies and offices with project implementation functions shall coordinate with one another and with the LGCs concerned… shall ensure participation from the LGUs both in the planning and implementation of said national projects.”

Carillo also cited Section 27 which states that no projects shall be implemented by any government offices without proper consultations and approval of the local government concerned.

Carillo said the DPWH failed to implement the projects endorsed by the city government through the Cebu City Development Council amounting to more than P1 billion and only implemented the asphalt overlay and road rehabilitation projects along Cebu-Balamban-Transcentral Highway, J. Luna Ave., M.J. Cuenco Ave., Guadalupe road, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Colon St., Gov. Cuenco Ave., Lapu-Lapu St., General Maxilom Extension, Salvador St., F. Llamas St., Borromeo St., and M.C. Briones St.

Ojeda explained that the national government cannot allot funds for all projects endorsed by the LGUs.

“DPWH has its own prioritization criteria. With the simultaneous asphalt-overlay, we are trying to preserve our national assets which are infrastructures until the maximum level of deterioration” Ojeda said, adding that they carefully conducted study and survey on road condition through manual and censored inspections.

But Councilor Noel Wenceslao objected, saying that Ojeda’s statement was in contrast to what is happening now.

“It is not preserving national assets but rather a waste of government funds considering that these stripped roads are still in good condition,” he said.

Councilor James Cuenco told his colleagues that blaming others would not resolve the issue and that what should be done is exert more efforts to fast track the road rehabilitation to lessen inconvenience.

“Puros lang ta blame. Damage has been done. Daghan napuwerhisyo, daghang sipyat sa inyong trabaho kay walay consultations. Now, just focus unsaon pagpaspas sa proyekto,” he said.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, for his part, said he talked with some carenderia owners in Barangay Lahug and found out that their income decreased due to dust caused by the ongoing road repair.

“Minus na ang mopalit sa sud-an tungod sa abog and ang people’s health affected na pud,” he pointed out.

The council also reminded the DPWH to consult city officials on the updates of the projects endorsed by the Cebu City Development Council for implementation. (FREEMAN)