GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has approved the implementation of 17 water system projects worth PHP49.1 million under the flagship PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or PAMANA program.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday they are set to start the bidding process for the projects, which would benefit rural communities in the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Tupi and Tantangan.
She said the DILG had tapped the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) as implementing arm for the projects.
The provincial bids and awards division disclosed it is awaiting the submission of the program of works, plans and other requirements by the PEO to facilitate their publication for public bidding, she said.
The approved projects are a Water System Level II worth PHP20 million in Lake Sebu, three potable water system projects worth PHP7 million in Tupi, and 13 Water System Level II worth PHP22.1 million in Tantangan.
The Lake Sebu water system project will be constructed in Barangay Lamlahak while the three potable water systems in Tupi will be built in Barangays Bunao, Kablon and Lunen.
In Tantangan town, Level II water systems will be constructed in Barangays Bukay Pait, Cabuling, Dumadalig, Libas, Magon, Maibo, Mangilala, New Cuyapo, New Iloilo, New Lambunao, Poblacion, San Felipe and Tinongcop.
PAMANA is the government’s program and framework for peace and development in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.
The program intends to provide communities with projects funded under the government’s stimulus fund to bring genuine peace and development.
It also aims to “reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities in situations of conflict”.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has completed as of the end of October the implementation of 33 more projects worth PHP76.5 million.
Nilo Sintin, provincial inspectorate unit chief, said the completed projects were road concreting and construction of bridges, lined canals, water systems, barangay halls, driers and warehouses, concrete drainage canals, drainage and embankment protection, box culverts, slope protection, multi-purpose buildings, two-classroom buildings, one-classroom buildings, senior citizen building, playground system, and grand stand and stage.
He said 16 major infrastructure projects worth PHP161,026,106 are being constructed in parts of the province. (PNA)
