By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated P700 million for infrastructure projects for Ilocos Norte’s second engineering district.
DPWH 2nd engineering district head Engr. Mathias Malenab said some of the projects were already bid out in December of last year.
He added that the P700 million, which comes from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) do not include the construction and rehabilitation of school buildings and farm-to-market roads among others.
He explained that construction and rehabilitation of national roads have the highest budgetary allocation.
Currently, Mr. Malenab also disclosed that all ongoing projects in the second district have yet to affected by the election ban.
Under the election code, on March 25 the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devises for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds; release, disbursement or expenditures of public funds; and others will be prohibited.
In view of this, Mr. Malenab said they are already advertising projects for bidding so they can immediately issue the “Notice to Proceed” (NTP) before the election ban.
As for the election period, Mr. Malenab said they have been informed by the DPWH central office that a memorandum of agreement between the agency and the Commission on Elections has been signed. As a result, the second engineering district has been designated among others to remove illegally installed campaign materials.
To do this, he said the Comelec must first determine the common designated area for posters so they would have a basis on what is illegally posted.
Meanwhile, Mr. Malenab also announced that DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson recently visited his office to inspect the Madongan Dam, Solsona Dam and other major projects in the second district.
In his visit, Mr. Malenab said the secretary realigned around P149 million worth of projects here primarily for the desilting and cleaning of the sabo dams.
The P149 million comes from the GAA and will be implemented by the DPWH regional office.