[ Manila Bulletin Online ] January 20, 2009
By MAR T. SUPNAD
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – The rehabilitation of the national highway in this province, called Manila North Road (MNR), has been in full swing since a P55-million fund was released by the national government upon the initiative of Rep. Eric D. Singson (second district), deputy Speaker for North Luzon.
Ray Elaydo, head of the second engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said that the rehabilitation of MNR is in full blast and is expected to be finished before the rainy season.
He said he was ordered by Congressman Singson to fast-track the rehabilitation project.
Other projects being rushed by DPWH, Engineer Elaydo said, are the MNR-Sta. Lucia section funded with P15 million; two sections of MNR-Candon City funded with P10 million each; MNR-San Esteban section, P10 million; and MNR-Sta. Maria section, P10 million.
The MNR rehabilitation project is part of Construction Package 1, an urgent community project intended to spur rural development. The contractor is Nippon Steel and Miyaji, a Japanese joint venture whose expertise is the building of quality roads and bridges.
The fund was provided by the national government and a loan from the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Many Ilocanos lauded Congressman Singson for his untiring efforts to secure funds not only for local projects but also for big infrastructure facilities.
