DPWH-ARMM assures close coordination in project implementation

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661474249899/dpwh-armm-assures-close-coordination-in-project-implementation
• Monday, September 19, 2016

By Edwin O. Fernandez (LTOBolongon/PBChangco/PIA12-Cotabato City)

COTABATO CITY, Sept 19 (PIA)- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) assures cooperation between their offices, local government units and other authorities to make sure that infrastructure projects are efficiently implemented.

Just recently DPW-ARMM gathered media partners for updates ont he status of implementation of various infrastructure projects in the region.

DPWH-ARMM regional officials together with the district engineers from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi converged here for the agency’s 23rd OUTBOUND Staff meeting to present status of project implementation, share positive experiences and discuss and resolve challenges, issues and concerns.

DPWH Secretary Don Mustapha Loong admitted delays in the schedule in implementation of road infrastructure projects in Basilan and Sulu due to the ongoing military operations in the some conflict-affected areas in said provinces.

Stressing minimal delay, Loong assured close coordination between the district engineers, LGUs and security forces insofar as infra project implementation citing eco-tourism development and access tourism sites with the help of the Task Force and district engineers.

“As to tourism, district engineers have already identified investments sites. DPWH ARMM and district engineers are identifying tourist spots through close coordination with the LGUs” he said.

Way back from the year 1991-2011, he emphasized that roads were not yet concrete, making road access a major problem to speedy transport of goods and produce to trading centers and markets in the communities. He added that the Hataman administration has given preferential attention to road construction and concreting since 2012.

“Under the administration of Governor Mujiv Hataman for the past 5 years we see improvements in the construction of roads. Before it will take you almost 2 hours to travel from Adjun to Lamitan and residents are more vulnerable to lawless elements. Today, it only takes 5 minutes to travel the same route,” Loong said.

Secretary Loong further said that there has been a huge impact of the projects to the residents in the areas of ARMM because today that long hours of travel already became minutes via land transportation utility vehicles.

Before, many villagers considered firearms and ammunition a priority and necessity. Presently, he noted, instead of firearms, many are now selling them to purchase motorcycles and children are now playing with wooden bikes instead of toy guns.

With the goal to provide and uplift the socio-economic condition of ARMM, DPWH-ARMM will not only focus on constructing roads and bridges through connectivity , the agency’s mandates likewise include finding source and construction of water systems to provide potable water in far-flung communities and villages and undertakes shore protection activities in ARMM.

The DPWH-ARMM 2016 budget is P10.103 billion for infrastructure projects that include the construction of 485 kilometers of roads, 26 bridges, shore protection and water systems among others, Loong said.