PIA Press Release 2008/03/08
by RG Alama
Davao City (8 March) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials led by Sec. Hermogenes Ebdane, briefed about 50 Congressmen from Mindanao last Wednesday (March 7) at the Celebrity Sports Plaza in Manila regarding the three-year infrastructure program for the island.
The briefing was organized by Davao City First District Representative and current House Speaker Prospero Nograles, for the benefit of the Mindanao bloc or a loose, non-partisan group of Representatives coming from the different congressional districts in Mindanao.
In powerpoint presentations DPWH outlined the various programs to be instituted in Mindanao for the next three years. "The DPWH officials led by Sec. Ebdane explained to the Congressmen what is in store for Mindanao in 2008, 2009 and 2010." Speaker Nograles said.
According to Speaker Nograles, it was in the briefing where the DPWH bared that in 2008, about P18-billion will be spent on various infrastructures across Mindanao by 2009, the Government is earmarking P21-billion for Mindanao and for 2010 will be another larger budget.
"I have to do this because I am a Speaker from Mindanao and a lot of expectations on what I can do to help Mindanao under my watch. That is why I am trying to figure ways and means to help the island during my term as Speaker." Nograles said.
The infrastructure spending is part of the Government's infra surge aimed to develop critical public works and infrastructure across the country especially the island of Mindanao.
During President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit to Davao del Norte last Feb. 8, the President bared a P200-billion infra surge across the island of which a sizeable amount will be spent on Mindanao.
Among the projects include road networks in Davao del Norte that connects the province to Bukidnon and the Coastal road from Davao Oriental to Surigao del Sur. (PIA)
