53rd Engineer Brigade to finish 274 infrastructure projects in Central Visayas within 2009

CEBU, Philippines – At least 274 infrastructure projects are scheduled to be completed by the 53rd Engineer Brigade in 96 barangays in Central Visayas before the end of 2009 through the Kalayaan Barangays Program.

In yesterday’s Association of Government Information Offices forum, Major Frederick Ancheta, 53rd Engineer’s information officer, said projects include 63 farm to market roads, 49 water systems, 67 school buildings and a day care center, 41 health centers, three sanitary units, 37 electrification projects, and 13 street lights.

Ancheta said the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process has given the unit P312 million as budget for the infrastructure projects.

Ancheta said a bigger bulk of the budget is allocated for projects in Samar and Negros Oriental where the insurgency problem is more visible. Because Cebu reportedly does not have problems on peace and order, no project is being implemented her of yet.

He explained that the army engineers only cater to infrastructure projects in areas where private companies or contractors are unable to work because of threats in security.

“Many people think that the military comes in only when there is a conflict and there is a need to apply an armed force. The military’s potent capability to undertake development task is sometimes disregarded,” Ancheta said.

KBP is a government initiative intended to transform conflict-affected communities into peace and development areas through accelerated barangay-focused rehabilitation and development programs. – Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)