Ferliza C. Contratista
CEBU, August 25 (PIA)—The province of Cebu has
benefited from P23 billion worth of infrastructure projects, the biggest among
the provinces in Central Visayas under the administration of President Benigno
“Noynoy” Aquino III.
In a project briefing held at Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH-7) in Cebu City, Public Works and Highways Sec. Rogelio
Singson informed the President that in the last six years, Cebu received
more than half of the infrastructure budget for Central Visayas.
Since 2010 until 2015, P43 billion was allocated and
implemented for Region 7, of which Cebu province received P23 million, he
said.
He reported that in 2010, Cebu’s budget was merely P2.1 billion,
and in 2015 it is now more than P7B.
“By 2016, already included for Cebu is an allocation of P9
billion,” Singson said.
Majority of the budget goes to the improvement and rehabilitation
of more than 950 kilometers of bridges and roads in the province.
In the last six years, there are 2,652 infrastructure projects
with only 209 yet to be completed while 85 are yet to start.
These also include over P8 billion worth of infrastructure
projects implemented through the funding of other agencies like the
Department of Agriculture's (DA) Farm to Market Roads; Department of
Education’s (DEPED) Basic Educational Facilities Fund; Department of Health’s
(DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and the convergence project
with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Singson noted the completion of the major thoroughfare in the
city, which is the 2.5 kilometer Serging Osmena Boulevard Port Corridor
costing P289 million.
Another project he also cited is the widening of Mactan
Circumferential Road which is earmarked a total of P150 million.
Pres. Aquino made a windshield inspection of said two
projects before facing the crowd gathered at the DPWH Motorpool in Cebu
City.
In his speech, Aquino said the report of the DPWH Secretary goes
to show that Cebu has not been neglected by the administration.
“Meron tayong P22.9 billion dito, ito ba ang sinasabi nilang hindi
natin tinututukan ang Cebu?” Pres. Aquino asked.
He said the widened Sergio Osmena corridor has lessened
travel time of passengers going to the ports.
“Meron din tayong P8.1 billion priority natin ang tourism
destinations at isa na dito ang Mactan Cicumferential Road at ang mga patungong
Malapascua, ang Hagnaya North Road,” he said.
The President lauded DPWH for having adhered to a
purpose-driven administration.
Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III for his
part thanked the President for not neglecting the province and for taking
time in letting the public know about the projects
implemented. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)