Unresolved issues led to PAMANA fund return

SADANGA, Mountain Province — Unresolved issues delayed the implementation of PAMANA-funded infrastructure projects in the municipality which resulted to the return of P9,100,151.63 to the national government.

This was the reaction of Mayor Jose Limmayog Jr. to insinuations from groups the amount was returned due to the indifference of municipal officials and their failure to act on time.

The amount is part of the package of development projects programmed to finance various projects in the municipality but were not implemented because of issues that cropped up when works were supposed to begin.

Among the issues cited by the mayor include road right of way concerns, resistance from affected lot owners, labor shortage and higher demand of labor and negligence on the part of the contractors.

Limmayog said these issues were started during the past municipal administration officials and spilled over when he assumed office and added he started to iron out the problems by talking to affected lot owners but time was not on his side.

Among the priority projects of the municipality which were delayed include the construction of Pakang-Chalitawey Communal Irrigation System (CIS), Tokok- ChuraoNapo CIS, Kabyangan-Karumshayan CIS and Sacasacan- Belwang Farm to Market Road (FMR).

The delay was due to adverse claims of affected lot owners, conflicts between owners and stakeholders, division among politicians, and opposition from the local residents.

Most of the construction of communal irrigation systems encountered opposition from the affected communities.

In an interview, a resident who opted not to be identified said too much polarization among the camps of local politicians is also considered as one of the main factors that affected the project implementations.

It is to be noted the multi-million PAMANA fund, which was earmarked to address priority concerns of the municipality, was through the initiative of former Mayor Gabino Ganggangan as part of the closure agreement between the Cordillera Peoples’ Liberation Army (CPLA) and the national government.

Limmayog requested the explanation of the offices concerned on the said unused fund be published to the local news papers to remind the public that the completion of any project is not only the concern of the proponents and the stakeholders but also includes the cooperation of everybody especially the local residents. Alfred Macalling