ARMM okays P10.1B worth of infra projects in 2017

COTABATO CITY– A total of P10.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects are expected to be implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2017.Governor Mujiv Hataman and regional legislators signed Public Works Act of 2017 on Thursday, December 15, thatauthorizes the appropriation of P10.1 billion for infrastructure projects in ARMM. The region’s Public Works and Highways department (DPWH-ARMM), through its district engineering offices, will implement the approved projects.These cover construction of major roads and bridges, water supply, seaports, shores, drainage canal, flood control, strategic infrastructure projects in supportof tourism, agriculture, peace and security, public health or sanitation, and other socio-economic development activities and those in conflict- or calamity-affected areas.The appropriation will be effective even beyond Fiscal Year 2017 until fully released, obligated, and disbursed for the purpose. The infrastructure funds will be properly distributed to the five provinces and two cities in the region. We will make sure that all the provinces will receive development projects from the regional government, Gov. Hataman said. DPWH-ARMM Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong noted that the implementation of the projects will be undertaken through competitive public bidding.To effectively oversee the projects, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee, inclusive of the legislative assembly members or representatives, will conduct periodic checking and validation of the status of project implementation based on the approved program of work, project specifications, and time frame of completion.(Bureau of Public Information)