Solon says infra dev’t key to faster economic growth in S. Leyte

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- A lawmaker in this province has tagged infrastructure development of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as major driver in the reduction of poverty incidence in the province over the past decade.

Speaking before hundreds of employees of the DPWH-Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) on Tuesday night, Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado noted that the province won’t achieve its status as economically stable in Eastern Visayas without good roads and bridges.

“Nobody can outrank the outstanding performance of DPWH in terms of cutting poverty in the province over the past years,” Mercado said.

With a poverty incidence of 30.4 percent based on the 2015 survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Southern Leyte is the second province in the region, next to Biliran, with lowest poverty incidence among six provinces.

Poverty incidence dipped by six percent from 36.4 percent in 2012, according to official reports.

“It is because of good and beautiful highways and farm-to-market roads in Southern Leyte. These really complemented our thrust in tourism and agriculture development,” Mercado added.

The solon lauded the hard work of DPWH-SLDEO employees as they work overtime to complete all pre-construction activities and ensure timely completion of projects.

“I am a witness of your performance. The district engineer worked hard to get funds for the district. Let us sustain our efforts because we have big expectations for 2017 with more programs and projects coming,” he added.

The official also cited the contribution of farm-to-market roads under the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Program. Some of these projects are being implemented by the DPWH.

As of end of November 2016, the SLDEO posted 94.98 percent with the full completion of 77 out of 84 regular infrastructure projects worth PHP1 billion for the entire year.

In 2017, the approved budget is PHP1.74 billion or nearly double than its current outlay. The district will also implement five major projects following the approval of special authority by the central office.

“Our district office has been closely coordinating with the office of Congressman Roger Mercado to fast track projects in line with the national government’s thrusts and local needs,” said District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia.

The SLDEO is tasked to maintain 298.93 kilometers of national roads and 153 bridges, built in 18 towns and Maasin City, the provincial capital. (PNA)
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