THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P3.8 billion to fund tourism road projects nationwide and other infrastructure initiatives in the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said his agency approved P2.37 billion for tourism road-construction projects jointly proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Tourism. The fund will be charged to the agencies’ budget this year.
“One of the ways through which the Aquino administration can encourage economic growth is by addressing the demand for better roads to tourist destinations. Once constructed, the roads should invigorate tourism-related activity in these areas, as well as ramp up commerce and job creation,” Abad said.
Meanwhile, P1 billion will be used to implement the 2012 ARMM infrastructure program, which involves the construction and upgrading of infrastructure systems to support tourism, agriculture, peace and security and public health and sanitation initiatives in the region.
The program covers the development of roads, bridges, ports and water systems in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.
“Infrastructure development in the ARMM has stalled for many years, resulting in the region’s severely limited economic growth,” Abad said.
The remaining P426.16 million of the total will be used to pay various contractual claims under the DPWH for projects that have already been completed. The implementation of these projects underwent the proper procurement process, with the claims duly evaluated and revalidated by concerned implementing offices under the agency.
“The DPWH has enforced key reform measures to boost the agency’s transparency and efficiency in all phases of project implementation. To date, the agency has addressed critical bottlenecks and plugged funding leaks to ensure that every peso is well-spent and fully accounted for,” Abad said.
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Source: VG Cabuag, Business Mirror. (20 September 2012)
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