DPWH rushing 376 projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday said it will be rushing work on 376 infrastructure projects as the year ends with the recent release of an additional P5.5 billion from the economic stimulus fund.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said in a statement the DPWH was “vigorously implementing” 376 projects, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, flood control and others, many of which have been damaged by the recent typhoons.

The additional funds will also go to the payment of validated right-of-way acquisition as well as the replenishment of the “Quick Response Fund” for calamity purposes, Singson said.

“The President’s instruction to DPWH is to fast-track disbursements and optimize the use of the stimulus fund in the execution of these additional infrastructure projects that will help boost the country’s economy and also provide job generation and employment,” he said.

“The stimulus package came from our savings from unused appropriations in 2010 and first three quarters of 2011, as a result of our prudent spending,” he added.

According to Singson, the 376 projects already have completed programs of work, and many are quick-disbursing projects below P40 million.

The P5.5 billion distributed to the DPWH’s 16 regional offices was broken down as follows: National Capital Region, P238.1 million; Cordillera Administrative Region, P245.18 million; Ilocos, P441.25 million; Cagayan Valley, P237 million; Central Luzon, P642.6 million; Calabarzon, P300 million; Mimaropa, P54.5 million; Bicol, P351.95 million; Western Visayas, P695.4 million; Central Visayas, P250 million; Eastern Visayas, P229.7 million; Zamboanga Peninsula, P180.5 million; Northern Mindanao, P250 million; Davao, P302.9 million; Socsargen, P245.27 million; and Caraga, P215.7 million.