RDC backs overseas assisted projects

THE Regional Development Council (RDC) recently endorsed various overseas – assisted projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Members of the RDC–Cordillera signed the Executive Resolution 30 series of 2012 that contains the endorsement. The project is entitled the “CAR component of the DPWH Austrian – assisted bridge construction acceleration project for calamity stricken areas phase II and the DPWH UK – assisted national roads bridge replacement project.”

The resolution stated, “The bridge projects are in support of the Cordillera development thrust on physical integration, which aims to physically link all major economic and growth centers so that inter and intra – provincial mobility is improved thereby, enhancing socio – economic condition in the region.”

These bridge projects are listed in the DPWH Bridge Management System and were validated by the DPWH–CAR but are subject for endorsement of the RDC.

Through the motion of RDC–CAR Infrastructure Development Committee Chairman and DPWH Regional Director Edilberto Carabbacan, the RDC members endorsed the projects.

The bridge projects which are assisted by Austria are Asin Bridge 2 in Abra; Baay Bridge in Abra; and Cudal Bridge in Kalinga.

Meanwhile, the UK–assisted bridge projects in Apayao are Dallawas Bridge 2, Matalag, Magulin, and Buyukan. In Benguet, these are the Malikliko of Bakun, Namalitok also of Bakun, Camp 5 of Tuba, Palew of Tublay, and Suyoc Spillway of Tublay.

One bridge in Ifugao which is the Ibulao Bridge is also under the UK – assisted project of DPWH. In Kalinga, the projects are Biyao, Aliog, Antonio Canao, Tanudan, Mabongis and Wallis.

These bridges were heavily damaged by the past typhoons which were proposed to be replaced under the two foreign assisted bridge projects.