Gov’t rejects Region 8’s P94-B proposed infra projects

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 29 -- The central government disapproved the funding for PHP94 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Eastern Visayas, which were endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) for implementation in 2019.

Of the PHP123.46 billion projects proposed by four regional offices and backed by the region’s highest policy-making body, only PHP29.49 billion projects have approved funding next year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) disclosed in a meeting Wednesday.

NEDA Regional Director Bonifacio Uy, RDC vice chair, said every year not all project proposals are accepted, also citing the cash-based budgetting system to be implemented by the national government starting next year as reason for the limited disbursement of funds. 

For the Department of Public Works and Highways, only PHP27.40 billion out of the PHP120.33 billion endorsed by the RDC has been included in the 2019 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Most of the unfunded projects are roads leading to airports, seaports, and economic hubs.

The RDC also endorsed PHP2.22 billion for the improvement of airports and seaports under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), but only PHP1.11 billion was considered for financing.

Out of the 10 airports pushed by DOTr for upgrading in 2019, only the Catbalogan Airport in Samar and the Tacloban Airport will get budget next year.

Some PHP450 million will be set aside to extend the Catbalogan Airport runway and PHP50 million for building the Tacloban Airport’s control tower.

The Maritime Industry Authority will only get PHP79.93 million out of the PHP140 million endorsed by the regional body. It will only finance the agency’s regulatory and supervision program. Also disapproved is the long-awaited construction of its PHP80 million regional office building.

Of the 10 projects of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with PHP77.46 million budget requirement, only one was considered for funding under NEP. This is the PHP18.79 million for telecommunications management and enforcement program.

The Department of Budget and Management prepares the NEP with recommendations from cabinet secretaries. It contains detailed proposed programs submitted to assist Congress in the review and deliberation of the proposed national budget for the legislation of the annual appropriations measures for the next fiscal year.

Oliver Cam, co-chair of the RDC infrastructure and utilities development committee, has renewed the body’s call for the 13 members of the House of Representative from the region to strongly lobby for the proposed development projects.

“We have done our part and we fought for it. It all points back to national level offices. I hope our congressman will really push for the realization of these development projects,” Cam said.

He urged lawmakers to personally attend the regular RDC advisory committee meeting and not just send their staff to listen to presentations of key RDC members. The meeting is held twice a year at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

The RDC organized the committee to advise, assist and support it in discharging its functions. It is composed of key RDC leaders and members of the House of Representatives, who have signified their intention to join the body.(SQM/PNA)