Red Cross exec: Hire engineers for rehab

CEBU, Philippines – A top official of humanitarian organization Philippine Red Cross has proposed that the government should hire engineers whose focus is preparation of work programs related to rehabilitation of Yolanda-hit areas.

The proposal was made by PRC Governor and Pangasinan Representative Rachel Arenas amid reports that some local government units failed to prepare the necessary requirements, especially the Program of Works for the implementation of projects anchored on rehabilitation.

Engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways have been tasked to facilitate the implementation of projects affected by typhoon Yolanda.

However, Arenas, who visited Cebu over the weekend, said the delay in the implementation of DPWH projects done could be attributed to the absence of Program of Works by local government units.

DPWH is to implement projects funded by the national government, most of which are related to drainage and road infrastructures.

In Mandaue City, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede said the DPWH should fast-track the implementation of projects they started in the city.

Although, these projects were implemented before typhoon Yolanda hit Cebu and neighboring provinces, the implementation of the projects was affected.

With the proposal of Arenas, Bercede said DPWH should hire engineers whose main duties and functions are to focus on projects related to typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation.

Maribago Barangay Captain Arvin Abing said the proposal made by Arenas is laudable citing that there are problems affecting the projects’ implementation by the DPWH regional and national office.

Abing said the problem does not lie on the part of the city since there are city engineers hired by the city government.

He said the problem could be with the national government.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes admitted that DPWH projects’ implementation in the city has been problematic.

However, Cortes said there is a better coordination now with the DPWH and the city government compared before, Cortes said.