W. Visayas gets P14-B infra projects

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A total of P14 billion has been allocated for infrastructure projects in the Western Visayas next year, according to Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director Edilberto Tayao.

The amount will be divided among the six provinces – Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Guimaras – and the urbanized and component cities.

Tayao said Iloilo City and Iloilo province would have three major infrastructure projects as well as the continuation of the projects started this year.

Among the priority projects in Iloilo City are the Arroyo Bridge that will link Arroyo street to Lapuz area. Others include the expansion of the Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue up to the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town and the Iloilo coastal road going to Dumangas Port.

Tayao said the provinces of Aklan and Negros Occidental would get a substantial amount for their infrastructure projects while other provinces will get their share in 2015.

From 2011 to 2014, the DPWH invested P11.9 billion to upgrade national roads and bridges in Negros Occidental, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said during a visit to the province last May.

Singson said the P11.9 billion represented 34 percent of the entire budget allocation for the Western Visayas.

A total of P8.4 billion was allocated for projects in Negros Occidental from 2011 to 2013, with an additional P3.47 billion this year.