P373-M DILG-implemented infra projects ongoing in Mindanao

2007/09/01

P373-M DILG-implemented infra projects ongoing in Mindanao

Cagayan de Oro City (1 September) -- As part of the national government's thrust to increase business confidence and economic opportunities in Mindanao, infrastructure facilities worth over P372.815 million are now undergoing construction in several cities and municipalities in the island.

These infrastructures facilities are being constructed under the Mindanao Basic Urban Services Sector Project (MBUSSP), a project implemented by the DILG through the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS) headed by Director Paisal O. Abutazil.

The MBUSSP is a joint project of the DILG, Land Bank of the Philippines, the Asian Development Bank and the Nordic Development Fund.

The infra projects and cost of construction covered by the MBUSSP are: Municipal Building in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, a two-story building worth P23 M; Sports Complex in Tangub City (Misamis Occidental), a 15,000 to 20,000 sitting capacity grandstand that also serves as quarters of athletes – P108 M; Municipal Gymnasium in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte–P19.5 M; New Public Market in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur – P20.186 M; another Municipal Gymnasium in Pilar, Surigao del Norte – P19.372 M; Municipal Water Supply System in Tago, Surigao del Sur – P26.757 M; and a Public Market in Ozamiz City worth P156 M.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, in a press statement, said the different structures undergoing construction are projected to boost the economic development in the region. "The MBUSSP has been successful in the region that the demand for the project in other LGUs of the country has increased. In fact, we are now expanding the project coverage to include LGUs in Luzon and Visayas."

Puno said late last year, three MBUSSP sub-projects were completed and turned over to LGUs, namely: the transport terminal in Kidapawan City worth P70.366 M; two Public Markets in Datu Odin Sinsuat Lugait, Maguindanao and in Mati, Davao, at the cost of P65.370M and P88.436 M respectively.

Meanwhile, for the first quarter of 2007, two more projects were also completed, namely: a P48.337 M Transport Terminal in Panabo City; a P24.442 M Public Market in Makilala, North Cotabato. These projects are now benefiting the residents of these communities.

In region 10, the new Municipal Hall (P33 M) in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte was also completed and inaugurated last year. In 2005, the Naawan, Misamis Oriental Water Supply System (P16 M) was completed and since been operational.

On August 31, 2007, the new municipal hall building in Jasaan will be inaugurated by DILG-MBUSSP and the local government of Jasaan. Guest of Honor is the DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero.

During her State-of-the-Nation Address, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has vowed to spread development away from an inequitable concentration in Metro Manila to the countryside through the Super Regions.

Now, airports, new bridges and roads have been opened in the region that connect provinces and cities to spur growth in the countryside, and build wealth in communities. (DILG-10)

Cabatuan.com - Kasimanwa.com - Austere Panadero