Monday, November 03, 2008 More infra projects in Mindanao completed By Joy Romares-Sevilla
FORTY-two percent of the total budget for the implementation of infrastructure projects for the Mindanao Super Region was already spent with the completion of a coal-fired power system in Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental and the ongoing construction of other projects, such as the airport in Laguindingan in the same province, the chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) revealed.
In interview Friday, Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, Medco chair, told reporters that the total budget for the implementation of the 29 infrastructure projects for Mindanao Super Region is pegged at P80.731 billion. He said 42 percent of this was already spent.
The implementation of the projects, he said, started in 2006 and will end in 2010.
"The coal-fired power system in Tagoloan was already completed, while the construction of other projects, such as the airport Laguindingan, is ongoing," Leyretana said.
He added that infrastructure projects really need to be pushed in some areas for the Mindanao's development.
"The success of the development of a certain area depends on the availability of infrastructures and other amenities," he said.
The Laguindingan airport, which is of international standard, is expected to serve provinces and cities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region.
The airport primarily replaces the existing Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro.
The airport sits on a 4.17-square kilometer site in Barangay Moog, Laguindingan and located 46 kilometers from the existing Lumbia Airport. Upon completion, it will be the fourth international airport in Mindanao, after General Santos International Airport in General Santos, Davao International Airport in Davao, and the Zamboanga International Airport.
The power project in Tagoloan, on the other hand, is a 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant that started operations this year.
