Implementation of P6.258 B for 201 KALSADA Road Projects Goes Full Swing in 74 Provinces

A total of 201 road projects amounting to P6.258 billion is now in full program implementation in 74 provinces nationwide, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Secretary Ismael “Mike” D. Sueno said the projects are being carried out under the DILG-supervised Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan ang Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA) Program which provides funding for road upgrading, rehabilitation, and improvement, as well as training, mentoring and coaching on local road management to Provincial Local Government Units (LGUs).

Sueno said that of the 201 projects, 34 (17%) have been completed, 142 (71%) are ongoing implementation, 10 (5%) are on procurement stage, and 15 (7%) are on pre-procurement stage.

“The improved provincial road conditions for the completed KALSADA projects are now benefitting our fellowmen. They are now able to comfortably transport and trade among economic hubs in different municipalities and provinces,” he said.

KALSADA is a partnership program between the DILG and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the Provincial LGUs in response to the needed infrastructure support, as well as reforms in local road management (LRM) and public financial management (PFM). DILG carries out the technical assistance and capacity development activities for provinces on LRM and PFM.

Among others, the Department has conducted workshops through KALSADA, on Detailed Engineering Design (DED), Contract Management and Construction Supervision (CMCS), Constructor’s Performance and Evaluation System (CPES), Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicators (APCPI).

Technical assistance through coaching and mentoring has also been provided throughout the year to provinces needing assistance. Meanwhile, the DBM through the Bureau of Treasury directly downloads the funds for physical road works to the provincial LGUs under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

As of year-end 2016, DILG has endorsed all 74 provinces to DBM for release of funds, and P5.821 Billion (89.6%) has been released to 70 provinces. To qualify for KALSADA program, the province must comply with the 10 fund-release requirements like the provincial road network development plan (PRNDP), DED, and several others. They must also adhere to the Full Disclosure Policy and should have no adverse report from the Commission on Audit. (DILG)