DPWH to spend P3B to build concrete roads in ARMM

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is spending close to P3 billion to support the infrastructure improvements in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Of the amount, Lanao del Sur got the biggest allocation of P911 million for road improvement, P723 million for Maguidanao, P512 million for Basilan, P493 million for Sulu, and P210 million for Tawi-Tawi.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said they would construct 127 kilometers of concrete roads in the ARMM by 2013.

But he said this could only be possible if the agency’s timetable set on road improvement projects in the conflict-ridden region proceeded as scheduled.

“All the projects are ongoing and in various stages of completion except for Maguindanao. We expect to complete them by middle of next year,” said Singson in a media briefing.

Singson said the road improvement in ARMM would boost the recently signed preliminary peace agreement between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“We hope to be able to continue supporting the peace initiatives in the ARMM through infrastructure support and other programs of other agencies,” he said.

Apart from upgrading roads, there are also five bridge projects in various stages of development in Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

These are the Gubawan Bridge along the Basilan Circumferential Road, the Bato Bato Bridge and Kiakoran Bridge on the Molundo-Wao Road, and the Pagatin and Matilak Foot Bridge.

The DPWH also said it has been drafting a recommendation to the President for additional funds of P2.4 billion to pump prime projects in ARMM.

“We hope to be able to submit a new proposal as soon as we get an indication of what will be available for ARMM support,” Singson said.