Marikina City gov’t sets aside funding for 11 infra projects in 2014

The Marikina government is funding 11 infrastructure projects in the city for the year.

Mayor Del de Guzman made the announcement in his recent State of the City Address (Soca) at the Marikina Convention Center.

The Soca, which was originally scheduled on Jan. 7, was moved to Jan. 29 following the death of De Guzman’s wife, Amalia Gonzaga de Guzman, of lymphoma at The Medical City in Pasig City on Jan. 1. She was 46 years old.

“In the year 2014, we will continue to dream, pursue and continue to make the local government’s presence felt for 24 hours (every day),” De Guzman said, adding his administration would continue to prioritize the education, livelihood and health of city residents.

Among the structures eyed by the local government are a new city hall, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, a new legislative building, a building for children in conflict with the law and a children’s library.

A manpower development center, a flood control project in Concepcion Creek, the Balubad Health Center and the dredging of the Marikina River will also receive financial support from the government, De Guzman said.

Of the 11 structures, some are already existing and will undergo rehabilitation such as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina and the legislative building.

The construction of the university’s new building—which is targeted to have six floors and 72 classrooms—began last year.

Phase 1 of the construction of a new legislative building also began in 2013, according to De Guzman.

The mayor did not say how much money would be used to support the projects but he said they would be “sufficiently” funded.

He also announced several projects that he said were part of the city’s “legislative agenda” for 2014: the “further strengthening” of the shoe industry, including the construction of a shoe trade center; the inspection of buildings and facilities in the city to ensure their structural integrity; and the promotion of the public-private partnership as a strategy for launching “important economic enterprises.”

Also on the drawing board is the awarding of “incentives” to residents who will give “critical information” that will result in the arrest of criminal elements, especially those incriminated in illegal drug activities.