DPWH allots P23-B infra in Caraga for 2017
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 16 – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga has programmed its infrastructure projects for 2017 worth P23-billion to be implemented in the region.
DPWH Caraga regional director Danilo Versola said in terms of budget allotment, from the P16-billion budget this year, it has increased to P23,161,792,000 or 44 percent for next year based on the department’s National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“It means more projects and more areas for development that will reap benefits for economic gains in the region. Of the said total budget, the biggest chunk which is P15,867,249,000 comprising 68.5 percent is to be utilized for Roads and Bridges projects which is the top priority of the department identified as its major final output one (MFO1),” underscored Versola.
Versola added that they continuously implements infra projects comprised of improvement of local roads and bridges, flood control, water management systems, buildings like multi-purpose facilities and school buildings, which fall under local infrastructure categories.
For its Various Infrastructure Including Local Projects (VIILP), the programmed budget is P1,508,562,000 which is 6.5 percent, while the Local Infra Program (LIP) comprising locally funded projects gets P433,000 or two percent.
It was also learned that the department will also implement infra projects in the region under its Unified Project Management Office that will utilize about two percent of the total budget or P416,354,000, and the budget under the Foreign Assisted Projects is P799,425,000 or 3.5 percent.
“The government is in serious business in its investments to boost the economic developments especially in Caraga, by providing public infrastructure facilities that address the needs of the people. This is so far the biggest infra budget in DPWH Caraga since I assumed office here,” stressed Versola.
Versola further clarified that said amount based on NEP is not yet final as it still needs to pass budget hearing in Congress before it will be approved. But based on experience over the past years, the approved budget gets no big difference as compared to the proposed. (DPWH-13/Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga)
