In time for the celebration of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Week, the RDC XI updated the public that big ticket infrastructure projects in the region are on stream.
“Priority projects in the region still remain but there are various levels of preparedness. Some are ongoing, some are in the process of loan negotiations,” said RDC XI co-chairperson and National Economic Development Authority XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lim.
One of the major projects prioritized by the region is the Davao Transport Modernization Project (DTMP).
“We are pleased to inform that our initial implementation of the DTMP is already ongoing with the implementation of Davao City’s Interim Bus System. As you now observe buses now ply in our city routes,” Director Lim said.
She also announced that a technical assistance facility amounting to 5 million USD will be provided as part of the project implementation support and capacity building specifically in the preparation and enhancement of the social development plan being prepared by the Department of Finance (DOF).
“The city government of Davao has been conducting a social preparation activities enjoining the affected drivers and bus operators for the project.”
The Samal Island-Davao Connector Project, on the other hand, is said to be on stream, however, procurement process has caused delays on the implementation.
The NEDA official updated that the Department of Finance already submitted to the Chinese Government last April 26, 2021, an updated loan application reflecting the revised financing ratio of 90% loan and 10% local fund will be absorbed by the Philippine Government together with the relevant supporting documents.
“Consequently, other preparatory activities are ongoing. We have the parcellary plan provided by the consultants of this project to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).”
Lim added that as of June 25, 2021, the revised parcellary plan is still ongoing. Such plan will be the technical basis to give a headstart to the procurement to expedite the right of way and resettlement action plan implementation of the project.
It was also reported that the issuance of notice of taking of affected landowners in Davao City as part of the resettlement has been ongoing as well as the appraisal of these properties with the Landbank which was already forwarded to the DPWH Unified Project Management Office.
Lim also bared that the biggest challenge on pushing for this project is the procurement process.
“It involves foreign contractors and since this is funded by a loan from China, there will be a process of selection for contractors that will pursue the implementation of this project. Three Chinese construction companies will be selected, and they will undergo further evaluation,” the official said. (PIA XI/Frances Mae Macapagat)
