ARMM set to embark on multibillion-peso dev’t projects

COTABATO CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is set to launch Tuesday several billions of pesos’ worth of infrastructure and other development projects intended for the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Dubbed as “DPWH-ARMM `9/11 Venture,” the event is seen to revolutionize infrastructure development in the region regarded as among the poorest in the country, said Public Works and Highway Regional Secretary Emil Sadain.

According to Sadain, the grim global “9/11 terror attack scenario in the US is contrary to what the DPWH would be launching” on Tuesday in Quezon City.

“This is about construction and reconstruction, not destruction and annihilation,” said Sadain, who vowed to build infrastructure facilities that would help alleviate the poor living conditions of the over 3 million inhabitants of ARMM and help entice tourists to the region’s several scenic spots.

He said foreign-donor country representatives including the Japan International Cooperation Agency are expected to grace the event, which coincides with ARMM acting Governor Mujiv Hataman’s birthday.

Sadain said Hataman two-year old administration has realized P59.2-million savings out of the JICA-funded projects, a feat that Japanese officials attributed to sincere commitment to reform.

He said that even savings of P47.7 million of various projects from local funds were a big help in the procurement of new heavy equipment for the DPWH motorpool.

Sadain told reporters to monitor and report how the P8.5 billion stimulus fund would be spent in the ARMM’s peace and development projects.

He said out of the total figure, the DPWH regional office has been apportioned with P2.8 billion intended for the construction, upgrade, repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and other structures of priority in the community.—Charlie C. Señase