DPWH-Eastern Visayas gets PHP23.48-B for 2017 infra

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 16 (PNA) -– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will carry out PHP23.48 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Eastern Visayas this year as the central government accelerates investment to upgrade national highways and build more bypass roads.

DPWH-Eastern Visayas assistant regional director, Virgilio Eduarte, said this year’s budget for the entire region is PHP2 billion higher than in 2016.

“Our budget has been increasing every year to support the national and regional plans to bring about more economic opportunities in the country through infrastructure development,” Eduarte said.

About half of the budget for the region will be managed by the department’s 13 district engineering offices in six provinces –- Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte. A big chunk of the 2017 outlay will be supervised by the regional office.

The DPWH is tasked to implement 834 projects this year. About 520 of these were already bid out as of January 31.

Among the major projects that will be funded this year are the ongoing 6.4-km. four-lane Tacloban bypass road and the 1.84-km. four-lane Palo West bypass road, which will be completed in the second quarter of the year.

The department proposed extending these bypass roads up to the junction of the San Juanico Bridge to complement the proposed international seaport to be constructed in nearby Babatngon, Leyte.

The department also proposed the extension of bypass roads that would link to this major project.

“This is in compliance with (Public Works) Secretary Mark Villar’s directive to decongest traffic through the construction of bypass roads in populated areas,” Eduarte added.

The official also confirmed that there is an ongoing feasibility study on the construction of the Sogod bypass road in Southern, Leyte.

Also listed as priority this year is the Leyte tide embankment project, designed to shield 'Yolanda'-hit communities from destructive waves. The project has an allocation of PHP700 million for this year alone.

Other priority projects include those involving road widening, bridge reconstruction, flood control, and preventive maintenance. (PNA)
CVL/SARWELL Q. MENIANO