P486M in projects

THE Regional Development Council (RDC) has endorsed P486 million worth of projects for the third district of Cebu Province, for inclusion in the proposed 2011 national budget.

But Emmanuel Rabacal, chairperson of the RDC’s Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC), said that officials of Toledo City and the towns of Balamban, Pinamungahan, Barili, Aloguinsan and Tuburan, where the projects were proposed to be implemented, should lobby with President Benigno Aquino III for the projects to be included.

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Work on the following year’s budget usually begins in October.

“Because these are proposed infrastructure projects, the local governments concerned should approach and convince DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials to include these in their department’s 2011 budget proposals,” Rabacal said.

Persuasion

He said officials can also try to persuade Department of Budget and Management Secretary Butch Abad and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

Of the P486 million, P60 million is allocated for the construction of bridges in Toledo City, Pinamungahan and Aloguinsan; P231 million for road construction, road concreting and roadside protection in Balamban, Aloguinsan, Barili, Tuburan and Toledo City; P130 million for flood control and drainage in Balamban, Barili, Tuburan, Balamban and Toledo City.

For Tuburan, the proposed allocations are P14 million for the concreting of roads from Kilometer 89 in Barangay Jabuaya to Kilometer 90 in Barangay Mangga; and P30 million for the construction of shore protection structures.

Tuburan Mayor Aljon Diamante said these projects are badly needed by his town. He will also seek financial assistance from the National Government to send thousands back to school, so they will qualify for jobs. (EOB)