P118-M worth of PAMANA projects boost development of Eastern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): P118-M worth of PAMANA projects boost development of Eastern Samar

Eastern Samar is a recipient of some P118 million worth of development projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), the framework and program for peace and development specially in conflict-affected areas of the national government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

According to the provincial technical working group headed by Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Eastern Samar was given P20 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of road from Jipapad Eastern Samar to Barangay Imelda Lapinig Northern Samar in 2012.

This year, P34 million is added to the previous release for this continuing project. This will provide easier access to people from Jipapad and unlock their isolation in terms of socio-economic activities.

This 5.27 kilometer road rehabilitation in Jipapad is worth P105.4 million while the 120 meter bridge is P120 million as proposed. With the first two releases the projects is heading way to the clamor of the people in the upstream.

Another recipient is the remote town of Maslog, which is reachable by motorized boat for a three to four hour-ride.

Surveyors have identified a transport access traversing through the vast riceland valley in Dolores, passing through barangay Carolina of Can-avid, which is along the national road going to the northern municipalities.

The road opening to Maslog, which started during the time of then Cong. Marcelino C. Libanan, reached the most difficult area in sitio Pasak Barangay, Aroganga Dolores.

The rehabilitation under the PAMANA Project resumed in Barangay Hinolaso going to Maslog. It includes bridges of Barangays Villahermosa, Rizal, Hinolaso.

This farm-to-market road continuing project was first released P 10 million and P24 million this year. Farmer-producers are anticipating this will ensure market access for their products.

Further, P30 million was also released for the rehabilitation of Can-avid-Malogo-Obong-Mabuhay-Barok-Caghalong and Can-ilay farm-to-market roads. This proposed continuing project is worth P245 million.

Engr. Nida B. De la Cruz of DILG and member of the technical working group said that funds for various projects under the PAMANA are downloaded to the agency with the capacity to implement and sufficient knowledge as to the realities of the area. Farm-to-market roads allocations are entrusted to the Department of Agriculture.

Eastern Samar, also known for its coconut farming, was allotted P7 million for Coconut Industry Development (CDA) still under the PAMANA program. Dela Cruz said it is now at the pipeline to be released as soon as proper documents are accomplished.

The province also expected releases under the PAMANA program in 2014 for its continuing rehabilitation of farm-to-market road projects to include barangays Binalay and Laurel in Gen. Mac Arthur, Barangays Saurong and San Eduardo in Oras, Maslog-Casidman in Arteche.

All these projects are accounted for and liquidated according to government’s auditing rules and procedures, otherwise there will be no more release of funds, De la Cruz said.

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