Special authority contributes to early bidding of 2016 projects

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 3 (PNA) – Decentralization has paved the way for faster preparation of 2016 projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) this year.

Of the 83 regular infrastructure projects listed for next year, 69 have been bid out as of end of November. The bidding process has been done ahead of 2016 General Appropriation Act approval by the Senate.

“I am so happy because as of the end of November we are about 83 percent complete of our target for bidding of 2016 infrastructure,” said District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.

Junia attributed the expeditious preparation of projects to the special authority granted by Secretary Rogelio Singson.

SLDEO is one of the DPWH field office in the country with authority to approve plans, program of works and approved budget for the contract for locally-funded projects with allocations of PhP50 million and below.

The authority has raised the approval limit of the district from PhP20 million in the past to PhP50 million for 2016 projects and onwards.

“Last year, project implementation was delayed especially those costing more than PhP20 million because it needs approval of the regional office. Last year it took three to four months to have one program of work approved by the regional office,” Junia explained.

The conduct of early bidding activities is in support to the administration’s goal of sustaining the country’s strong economic growth through public infrastructure spending and development.

Of the P688.5 million bid out projects, PhPh475.77 million are bridges, PhP55.7 million are local infrastructure projects, PhP85 million are infrastructure projects supporting tourism development, and PhP72 million repair along national roads.

Under the proposed 2016 infrastructure projects based on National Expenditure Program, the district office is tasked to implement P1.45 billion worth of projects.

These include PhP160.6 million for rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of national highways, PhP209.21 million improvements and widening of national roads, construction of missing gaps, off-carriageway improvement, and PhP596.97 million for construction and maintenance of bridges along national highways.

Also listed are PhP27.19 million for construction and maintenance of flood mitigation structures and drainage systems, PhP320 million for improvement of access road leading to tourist destinations, and PhP90 million construction and repair of various infrastructure including local projects. (PNA)
CTB/SQM/PR