DPWH-8 gets P1.93-B budget for EV infra projects in Q4 of 2011

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
December 15, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  An additional P1.93 Billion budget for East Visayas infrastructure project was released in the last quarter of 2011, the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Region informed.

This is more than the P1.8 Billion budget for the entire year, thus making DPWH Region 8 the only region in the country with additional budget higher than the regular budget, DPWH-8 Director Rolando Asis said.

Director Asis explained that the additional fund is part of the stimulus package of the Aquino government that is aimed at boosting the infrastructure spending in the Region.

With the additional releases, the DPWH in the Region has to fast track works for ongoing projects in order to achieve at least 80% accomplishment by the end of December, the DPWH director added.

Director Asis said that among the projects covered in the additional budget are the road opening connecting Babatngon and Barugo towns in Leyte; diversion road construction in Calbayog City, San Isidro-Lope de Vega road opening in Northern Samar; Arteche-Lapinig Road improvement linking the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar; and the rehabilitation of the Carigara Bridge in Leyte.

The DPWH director disclosed that for the regular fund allocation, “we are almost complete,” however, due to additional allocations for the last quarter, it is impossible for the Agency to attain 100% accomplishment.

He however gave the assurance that the agency will continue the implementation of the projects early next year.