GenSan, three SoCot towns get P2.04-B for ‘Build, Build, Build’

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The national government has allotted some PHP2.04 billion for the implementation this year of priority infrastructure projects in the city and three other municipalities in South Cotabato province.

Engineer Rey Francisco, head of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - South Cotabato II District Engineering Office, said Friday the funds comprise the approved funding for the province’s first congressional district for 2020 under the “Build, Build, Build” program.

Francisco said these will be used for the opening and expansion of more road networks; construction of barangay-based multipurpose buildings and related facilities; rehabilitation and construction of drainage and flood control structures; and construction of bridges, among others.

“Among the top priorities are the continuing widening of our main highways and primary roads to six lanes and the upgrading of access roads leading to agro-industrial and tourism sites in the area,” he said in an interview.

South Cotabato’s first congressional district covers this city and the municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi, and Tampakan.

Francisco said some PH1.083 billion or about half of the total funding was allocated for various projects in the city, including the construction of the PHP200 million Upper Silway bridge and PHP140 million Lower Upper Apopong bridge.

He said they would implement this year the upgrading or concreting of the road leading to the proposed trade and economic zone in barangays San Jose and Sinawal worth PHP30.2 million.

The bulk of the funds was set aside for the expansion of the circumferential road and portions of the national highway to six lanes, he said.

In South Cotabato,

Francisco said they will upgrade the national highway Crossing Palkan-Lamcaliaf-Kalasangi road in Polomolok town.

He said the DPWH regional office would implement the concreting of the road leading to the agribusiness processing center in Barangay Polo, Polomolok.

The district office will also roll out the construction of barangay multipurpose halls and other facilities worth PHP1 million to PHP1.5 million each.

“These projects were intended to further boost economic activities in the area and complement with the expected entry of major investments and ventures in the next few years,” he said. (PNA)