ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 2, 2011) – The Department of Budget and Management on Friday announced the released of P2.85 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways to rehabilitate and pave national and secondary roads as well as to replace national bridges in the five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Secretary Florencio Abad said the fund is part of the P8.5 billion ARMM Transition and Investment Support Plan, which is included in the P72-billion disbursement acceleration program of President Benigno Aquino III.
“The government is paving the road for the ARMM’s social, economical development that will be supported by reformed governance in the region,” he said.
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan praised the Aquino government for giving attention not only to his province, but also to the rest of the ARMM.
“Our province has suffered in the past from lack of government projects from the ARMM, but despite this we still managed to put forward our peace and development programs, and many humanitarian and infrastructure projects,” he said.
“With President Aquino, we are sure that Sulu will never be neglected again because we are also for reform, for peace, for development and for progress,” he added.
Last month, the DBM also released an additional funding of P1.97 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development to beef up social services delivery in the ARMM.
Of the amount, P1.25 billion will be used for preventive maintenance projects in Sulu (P139.69 million), Basilan (P45.64 million), Lanao del Sur (P623.28 million) and Maguindanao (P442.05 million).
Also, P517.35 million has been allotted to rehabilitate typhoon-damaged national roads in Sulu (160.62 million), Tawi-tawi (P210.75 million), Lanao del Sur (P130.98 million) and Maguindanao (P15 million).
And P1.02 billion will go for the upgrading of roads in Sulu (P193.04 million), Basilan (P434.13 million), Lanao del Sur (P157.09 million), Maguindanao (P234.23 million), P64.63 million is allotted for the National Bridges Program of the DPWH, which will includes the replacement of Gubawan Bridge in Basilan, and which will amount to P33.03 million, and Pagatin and Matilak Bridges in Maguindanao, amounting to P21.6 million and P10 million, respectively.
“This recent allotment release will boost key infrastructure developments in the said region to be able to attract local and foreign investors and to provide jobs for its people,” Abad said.
He said the DPWH is committed to complete the pavement of the total 15,872 kilometers of national arterial roads by 2014; and 15,370 kilometers more of national secondary roads by 2016; and the repair, reconstruction or replacement of all 7,793 national bridges by 2016.
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