74 provinces get P6.5 B for road projects

MANILA, Philippines – A P6.5-billion budget has been allocated to 74 provinces for the implementation of Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan ang Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran or KALSADA program, Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said yesterday.

Sarmiento said the budget for 181 of the 186 projects was released on May 4.

Construction of 69 road projects is ongoing, 11 have been issued notices to proceed while 106 are in various stages of procurement. 

The documentary requirements for the projects in six provinces are still being processed.

Sarmiento said the provincial road network development plan and detailed engineering design are the “most challenging” for local government units (LGUs).

The KALSADA program aims to help LGUs improve local road conditions by providing technical and capacity development assistance through training, mentoring and coaching on local road management as well as funding for road upgrading, improvement and rehabilitation.

He said the budget was apportioned based on the needs and performance on local road management of the provinces.