DPWH rolls out P8-trillion infra projects nationwide

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways presented a total of P8-trillion worth of infrastructure projects nationwide during the Philippine Economic Briefing held in Cebu yesterday.

DPWH-7 director for planning services Constante Llanes Jr. described the agency’s strategic infrastructure programs and policies as the most ambitious in the history. Llanes represented DPWH Secretary Mark Villar during the occasion. He said the infrastructure programs cover from the year 2017 up to 2022.

According to Llanes, the Visayas regions were allocated P95.51 billion worth of projects this year, P34.90 billion of which was given to Region 7. The budget, however, is only for regular infrastructure and does not include big ticket projects.

He said that other projects in Cebu that are already in the pipeline include Metro Cebu Integrated Flood Control and Drainage System Masterplan with an estimated funding requirement of P33.5 billion. The drainage masterplan covers Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, and Consolacion in the north; Mandaue City, Cebu City, Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu City in the central part; and Minglanilla, Naga City, San Francisco, and Carcar City in the south.

Another project is the 73.8km Metro Cebu Expressway, which is a high standard arterial road starting from Naga City to Danao City. The project includes a two-kilometer tunnel and has an estimated cost of P54.2 billion. It is expected to reduce travel time between Danao City and Naga City from three hours to one hour and 35 minutes. It started this year and expected to be finished by 2022.

The DPWH-7 is also currently undertaking the P683.30 million underpass project on N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City. The two-lane underpass with two-lane service roads in both sides is expected to be completed next year.

Llames said a five-kilometer bridge with two-kilometer causeway Cebu-Negros Link Bridge and 27.5 km long-span Cebu-Bohol Link Bridge are also currently under study. (FREEMAN)