Armm to benefit from P3.8B fund release for infra projects

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P3.8 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fund nationwide tourism road projects and infrastructure initiatives in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm).
 
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the fund will support the construction of national roads to strategic tourist destinations and will beef up infrastructure project in Armm.

"One of the ways through which the Aquino administration can encourage economic growth is by addressing the demand for better roads to tourist destinations," Abad said.
 
"Tourism, after all, is a low-lying fruit that yields immediate economic benefits. Once constructed, the roads should invigorate tourism-related activity in these areas, as well as ramp up commerce and job creation," he added.
 
Of the said amount, P2.37 billion was approved for tourism road construction projects jointly proposed by DPWH and the Department of Tourism (DOT), chargeable against the 2012 General Appropriations Act. The release will be used for the improvement of national roads as well as arterial and secondary roads across the country.

Meanwhile, P1 billion will be used to implement the 2012 Armm Infrastructure Program, which involves the construction and upgrading of infrastructure systems to support tourism, agriculture, peace and security, and public health and sanitation initiatives in the region.

The program covers the development of roads, bridges, ports, and water systems in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur.

"Infrastructure development in the Armm has stalled for many years, resulting in the region’s severely limited economic growth. This release will go a long way in helping the Armm gain some long-overdue and much-needed economic leverage, allowing it to find effective and sustainable solutions to combat poverty," Abad added.

Lastly, P426.16 million of the total fund release will be used to pay various contractual claims under the DPWH for projects that have already been completed.

The implementation of these projects underwent the proper procurement process, with the claims duly evaluated and revalidated by concerned implementing offices under the agency, said Abad. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)