E. Visayas infra projects to be expedited: DPWH

TACLOBAN CITY, April 10  -- The higher limit of delegated authority to five district engineering offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would fast-track high-impact projects in Eastern Visayas, a public works official has said.

This development would help the regional office focus on the supervision of bigger projects, head of DPWH 8 (Eastern Visayas), Director Edgar Tabacon, said Tuesday.

Among the district engineering offices nationwide with delegated authority to approve projects worth up to PHP100 million are those in Eastern Samar, Leyte’s 4th district, Northern Samar’s 2nd district, Samar’s 1st district, and Southern Leyte.

The region has 13 DPWH district offices in Tacloban City, and the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte.

Prior to the issuance of Department Order No. 20 last Jan. 31, all district public works offices in the region were only authorized to plan and design projects that cost no more than PHP50 million.

“This change only shows that the central office recognizes the capability of our district offices. They have noted during the design audit that these field offices are capable of managing bigger projects in accordance with standards of the department,” said Tabacon.

“If the load is proportionally distributed, it is easier to accomplish things rather (than) putting the burden to the regional office,” he said.

Last year, at least 571 infrastructure projects had been completed in the region as the government poured more investments in widening roads and strengthening bridges. The regional office received a budget of PHP23.48 billion for 2018. (SQM/PNA)