IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Some PhP2 billion worth of infrastructure projects are set to be implemented in six municipalities in the first semester of this year in this province.
Gov. Wilter Palma on Wednesday said the projects would be implemented in the municipalities of Alicia, Mabuhay, Malangas, Olutanga, Payao, and Talusan, which were all located in this province’ first district.
Palma said the projects, which he considered big tickets, consisted of the concreting of 61.15 kilometers farm-to-market-roads and 440-meter bridge connecting Barangay Guicam, Alicia and Barangay Hula-Hula, Mabuhay.
Palma said the funds for the projects would come from the $380 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to the Philippines for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP).
The Department of Finance (DOF) said the $380 million loan would fund the implementation of 11 big infrastructure projects including the concreting of 277.23 kilometers road here in Region 9.
The concreting of the 61.15 kilometers farm-to-market roads in the six of this province’ 16 towns form part of the 277.23-kilometer road concreting project for the region.
“These projects are expected to provide many benefits to the people in the future, directly and indirectly, in the first district particularly the three municipalities of Olutanga Island,” Palma citing it will spur economic development.
Olutanga Island, which comprises of three municipalities-Mabuhay, Olutanga, and Talusan-with a total of 51 villages have an overall population of 100,510 based on the 2015 census. Most of the residents rely on fishing as source of livelihood.
The towns of Alicia, Malangas, and Payao, which consist of 81 total barangay, have a combined population of 101,079 as of the 2015 census.
DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the projects, which are part of the Build, Build, Build program of President Rodrigo Duterte would help in the rapid development of the southern Philippines and realize its growth potentials, which are key elements in achieving peace and prosperity for the region.
Palma also credited his son, first district Rep. Wilter Palma II, for exerting efforts in following up the long awaited projects for the six towns in his district. (Dennis Baguio/PNA)
