P23-B Infra Projects Implemented in Cebu under Pres. Aquino’s Term

(PIA7-Cebu) — The province of Cebu has benefited from P23 billion worth of infrastructure projects, the biggest among the provinces in Central Visayas under the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

In a project briefing held at Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-7) in Cebu City, Public Works and Highways Sec. Rogelio Singson informed the President that in the last six years, Cebu received more than half of the infrastructure budget for Central Visayas.

Since 2010 until 2015, P43 billion was allocated and implemented for Region 7, of which Cebu province received P23 million, he said.

He reported that in 2010, Cebu’s budget was merely P2.1 billion, and in 2015 it is now more than P7B.

“By 2016, already included for Cebu is an allocation of P9 billion,” Singson said.

Majority of the budget goes to the improvement and rehabilitation of more than 950 kilometers of bridges and roads in the province.

In the last six years, there are 2,652 infrastructure projects with only 209 yet to be completed while 85 are yet to start.

These also include over P8 billion worth of infrastructure projects implemented through the funding of other agencies like the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Farm to Market Roads; Department of Education’s (DEPED) Basic Educational Facilities Fund; Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and the convergence project with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Singson noted the completion of the major thoroughfare in the city, which is the 2.5 kilometer Serging Osmena Boulevard Port Corridor costing P289 million.

Another project he also cited is the widening of Mactan Circumferential Road which is earmarked a total of P150 million.

Pres. Aquino made a windshield inspection of said two projects before facing the crowd gathered at the DPWH Motorpool in Cebu City.

In his speech, Aquino said the report of the DPWH Secretary goes to show that Cebu has not been neglected by the administration.

“Meron tayong P22.9 billion dito, ito ba ang sinasabi nilang hindi natin tinututukan ang Cebu?” Pres. Aquino asked.

He said the widened Sergio Osmena corridor has lessened travel time of passengers going to the ports.

“Meron din tayong P8.1 billion priority natin ang tourism destinations at isa na dito ang Mactan Cicumferential Road at ang mga patungong Malapascua, ang Hagnaya North Road,” he said.

The President lauded DPWH for having adhered to a purpose-driven administration.

Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III for his part thanked the President for not neglecting the province and for taking time in letting the public know about the projects implemented. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)