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DPWH allocates P126-B for Mindanao infra projects

By Digna Banzon

September 21, 2018, 7:05 pm

DAVAO CITY – Mindanao's infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build Program is getting a boost from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with funds amounting to PHP126.86 billion.

This was according to DPWH Planning Service Director Constante Llanes, who spoke Thursday at the Food Security and Infrastructure Conference in the ongoing Davao Trade Expo at SMX Convention Center here.

Llanes pointed out that infra-projects, such as road construction and improvement, would boost the delivery of basic services, ensure food security, and help the government's educational programs in the countryside.

Llanes said the projects are included in the Mindanao Road Development Network Program, covering 2,600.67 kilometers and connects the Zamboanga Peninsula, Southern Mindanao, Central Mindanao and Caraga Regions.

The projects include the road network development project in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao connecting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to other regions, covering 150 kilometers including 40 bridges with a project cost of PHP24 billion scheduled in 2019 to 2025.

Llanes said the Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi is getting PHP8.29B. This covers 19.8 kilometers ring road, rehabilitation and development of 12.05 km trans-central road links; constructions of schools, hospitals, public markets and house of workshop; water supply system; and the construction of the Malabang Viaduct.

DPWH will also be undertaking projects under the Traffic Decongestion Program, where under the High Standard Highway Network Development Masterplan, has an allocation of PHP119.7 billion in 2018, an increase from 2017’s PHP113.1 billion.

Part of this program, Llanes said, is the Davao High Standard Highway Network, an expressway, by-pass road with a 2.3-kilometer tunnel and coastal road, with a total length of 86.11 kilometers funded at a total cost of PHP65.29 billion.

The Integrated and Seamless Transport System, under which the Mindanao Infrastructure Logistics Network or MLIN will construct/improve roads leading to growth corridors in Western Mindanao; Study and implement Inter-Island Linkage projects; Connect gaps along national roads; and construct/replace bridges. It has been allocated a funding of PHP101.5 billion in 2018.

Also allocated PHP19.8 billion this year are projects under the Convergence and Rural Road Development Program, which includes the  construction and upgrading of local access roads to designated tourism destinations, RORO ports/seaports/airports; and construction of roads leading to industries, and trade corridors.

Some PHP165  billion are also set aside for the development of livable, sustainable and resilient communities under the Integrated Water Resources Management Program, as well as for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, and infrastructure for the marginalized sectors.

Llanes said projects that are ongoing--or for implementation next year--include the DPWH flood control and drainage master plans and feasibility studies of 18 major river basins and critical principal rivers in Mindanao.

Llanes cited the Flood Risk Management Project in Cagayan de Oro with a project cost of PHP8.55 billion. It is JICA-assisted and will be built from April 2018 to April 2022.

Llanes said the Duterte administration's infrastructure plan and program are geared towards the building of more railways, urban mass transport, airports and seaports, more bridges and roads and establishing new and better cities. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)

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