Angeles City mayor hits delays in APEC projects

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the delays in projects that he wants finished in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit here in January next year.

In a press briefing Wednesday, Pamintuan said the completion of the P60-million upgrading of the Pandan-Magalang Road is delayed due to the DPWH’s failure to inform his office of right-of-way problems.

He said a notice to proceed with the project was issued way back in May last year, but work did not start immediately.

“It was only when I inquired about the delays in the project that I was told by DPWH officials that the city government was supposed to provide funds for the right-of-way cost,” he said.

Pamintuan also learned that part of the road project could not immediately be started as the DENR has failed to issue permits for the cutting of some trees.

“When I confronted DENR officials about this, I learned that the agreement between the city government and the agency could not be found and apparently was shelved after a change in the agency’s regional director,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pamintuan announced plans to open the gates of private subdivisions to all motorists to ease traffic congestion in areas affected by the APEC-related projects, particularly along the MacArthur Highway in Barangay Balibago toward the Clark Freeport where APEC events will be held.