Environmental concerns during road construction discussed

TAGBILARAN CITY ,Philippines  — Environmental concerns and issues affecting road construction, maintenance and management have been ironed out during an orientation on Environmental Management Plan held the other day at the Bohol Tropics Resort in the city.

Stakeholders, composed of non-government organizations, business and private, youth, contractors and government personnel undertook the orientation that was intended for the enhancement of the Philippines Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF).

Resources persons were David Goodwins, PRMF technical director; Engr. Evan Arias, PRMF consultant, Engr. Manuel Jamonir, PRMF engineer coordinator, and Linda Paredes of Coffey International Development.

Provincial Administrator Alfonso R. Damalerio II, representing Gov. Edgar Chatto, delivered a short message for the participants during the opening of the one-day workshop.

Participants produced several concerns and corresponding courses of action to improve the roads in the province, namely: Lack or absence of signage in roads construction for safety of the traffic and workers; noise and air pollution; negative impact on livelihood of working youth; destruction of eco-system while road works are going on; and other risks affecting road management.

Among the recommendations were: Installation of safety devices in road construction and strict implementation of road regulations and reporting of violations of these rules; information dissemination; and provision of alternative livelihood.

The Bohol provincial government in 2009 entered into a memorandum of agreement with the DILG and the AusAID "as a commitment to the five reform agenda of PRMF."

Chatto, upon his assumption of office as governor, also signed the amended MOA in 2010 in Pasig City.

With this agreement the provincial government committed to achieve the five pillars of the program: Sustainable road maintenance; transparent and accountable budget and expenditure management; fully functional internal control systems and internal audit; transparent and procurement process; and comprehensive human development plan and management strategy.

"After five years of support through the PRMF, the province hopes to be able to sustain its core network of roads in good condition without the need for external financial assistance," according to the PRMF document.