By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY —Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here are urging the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte to continue the anti-poverty initiatives and repair of provincial roads project.
Dubbed “Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA)”, the project is an innovative devolution program under the government of outgoing President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III that aims to institutionalize good governance by enabling and shepherding local government units on local road management.
A Php6.5-billion project, Ilocos Norte is one of the beneficiaries covering at least nine major road networks here.
In a resolution unanimously approved by the provincial board on May 23, SP member Vicentito “Toto” M. Lazo said there is a need to continue the rehabilitate and upgrade these provincial roads to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth of residents here.
Covering at least five municipalities in Ilocos Norte namely: Dingras, Bacarra, Vintar, Paoay and Marcos, the province has been allocated Php186 million to repair and improve these roads which began earlier this year.
These road networks were identified as priority roads for repair following recent typhoons that damaged Ilocos Norte’s vital infrastructure system including roads and bridges.
With at least 30% counterpart from the local government unit, the project takes about three years to complete.
The program is being implemented by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management, providing funding for the development of road networks among LGUs that are recipients of the “Seal of Good Governance”.