P1.1 B released for Pablo rehab

MANILA, Philippines - The national government, through the Department of Budget and Management, has released a total of P1.1 billion for the rehabilitation of areas hit by Typhoon Pablo in December last year, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the other day.

Abad said the amount was released to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the reconstruction and repair of bridges in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental under the Task Force Pablo Rehabilitation Plan, which supports the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged national roads and bridges in the affected areas.

“Even as the administration works with local officials and aid groups in securing aid for Yolanda-stricken communities, President Aquino is determined to continue rehabilitation efforts in several other areas that Typhoon Pablo swept through,” Abad said.

In a statement, Abad said the objective is to “reverse the extent of the damage caused by Pablo through projects that will ultimately repair bridges and roads vital to the economic activity in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.”

Of the total amount charged against the 2013 DPWH budget, P517.4 million is allotted for the reconstruction and repair of the Caraga, Cateel, Taytayan, and Odiongan bridges on roads spanning Surigao del Sur-Davao Oriental and Cateel-Compostela.

Meanwhile, P543 million will cover the rehabilitation of the Mayo, Manurigao, Dapnan, Casauman, Quinonoan, and Baguan bridges connecting  Surigao del Sur and the Davao Oriental Coastal Road.

“Together with the Contingency and Calamity Fund – with remaining balances of P824 million and P176 million, respectively – the P1.1-billion release will buoy up the rehabilitation efforts for all affected communities in Davao Oriental,” Abad said.

Last September, the President approved P10.53 billion for the Task Force Pablo Rehabilitation Plan. The DBM has so far released P8.49 billion to the National Housing Authority and Department of Social Welfare and Development. – With Kathleen Martin