SRP eyes P58M in equipment

CEBU, Philippines- Due to recent developments at the coastal road, South Road Properties Management Office is asking for the purchase of P58.4 million worth of security, safety and operating equipment.

The proposal includes P3.6 million worth of surveillance cameras, a Global Positioning System system worth P3.5 million, two patrol cars worth P1.9 million, P14 million worth of asphalt, 25 digital handheld radios worth P2 million and seven metal barriers worth P250,000.

Other equipment mentioned are a bulldozer worth P6.5 million, a tractor with blade beam worth P4.8 million, a boom truck worth P4 million, a water tanker worth P3 million, a skid loader worth P3.5 million, a mini dump truck worth P4.8 million, service van for SRP personnel worth P880,000, a Strada pick-up vehicle worth P950,000, 25 fire extinguishers amounting to P1.13 million and office equipment and supplies totaling about P1 million, among others. 

“With the growing demands at the SRP, we feel that these items are of vital importance to the day-to-day operations to upkeep various facilities and to maintain the security and peace and order in the area,” said SRP executive assistant Sheldon Vincent Kintanar.

Among the reasons why the SRP Management Office intends to make the multi-million purchase is the spate of vehicular accidents at SRP, including a recent smashup of vehicles that claimed five lives.

The amount will be charged against the appropriation for Capital Outlay.

Councilors David Tumulak and Hanz Nendell Abella, who lobbied for the passage of the proposal, said certain equipment and machines have been programmed for acquisition since 2011, 2012 and 2013. However, since some of these equipment and machines were not bought, the funds are placed under continuing appropriation for capital outlay.

SRP Management Office Chief Roberto “Bu” Varquez explained it was planned to have the equipment procured by phases.

Varquez said the procurement will be timely for the upcoming events, such as the soft opening of SM Seaside this September, the development of the Filinvest Land Inc. properties and the International Eucharistic Congress next year, among others.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas certified the availability of funds, while City Budget Officer Marietta Gumia also made a certification that the appropriation balances under lump sum appropriation for Capital Outlays for SRP Management.

Mayor Michael Rama has also approved the proposed procurement.

During its last session the council referred the proposal to the Budget and Finance Committee headed by Councilor Margarita Osmeña for perusal. — /BRP (FREEMAN)