NAVAL, Biliran- In the interest of greater transparency in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) project implementation, as well as engaging major stakeholders for support and cooperation, DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO) has initiated in the creation of Infrastructure Monitoring & Advisory Group (IMAG) for each of the major projects implemented.
The composition of the IMAG/ad hoc body are the local chief executives of the local government unit where the project is located or their authorized representative, DPWH regional director, DPWH district engineer of the place where the project is located, project engineer, project contractor, and representative from the religious group.
“The purpose of having this IMAG meeting is to ensure effective and efficient implementation of Infrastructure Development Program especially on high impact infrastructure projects,” said David P. Adongay Jr., district engineer.
The meeting was conducted on December 13 at DPWH-Biliran DEO and attended by Mario L. Tabunia, DENR-PENRO, Biliran, Warlito B. Alagao, president – PICE Biliran Chapter, and Alex L. Quiñones, representative of Governor Gerry Espinsa.
Maripipi Mayor Uldarico P. Macorol, Flores de la Peña, contractor’s representatives of LEDA Construction, Biliran DEO Personnel and Engr. Sandy Pua, incoming chief of Construction Division of DPWH Regional Office also attended the meeting.
IMAG is an ad hoc body which will assist the DPWH during all phases of project implementation including the problems and issues arising during the project implementation.
It is a mechanism for a participatory and transparent monitoring during the project’s construction phase to ensure that projects are accomplished at the right time, and with right quality.
According to Engr. Pua, the IMAG was adopted in 1996, in response to the delays in implementation of flagship projects of the national government.
One of the projects identified in the province of Biliran is the concreting of Maripipi circumferential road.
Alberto V. Cañete, project engineer, reported that the project is on-going with 16% accomplishment and was delayed due to residential buildings affected in the implementation of projects particularly in Brgy. Canduhao.
Said project has a contract amount of P128.8 million with a contract duration on March 31, 2016 from its start date on July 6, 2016.
The scope of work includes rehabilitation of 6 km. gravel road starting from Km. 0+450 to Binalayan. The length of PCCP is 4 KM divided into 2, the first 2 Km located at Banlas-Poblacion side and the second location at Poblacion- Binalayan with concrete line canal.
Cañete requested Mayor Macorol and the village officials of the town to help the contractor in solving the problem on obstructions of Road Right of way (RROW) in order not to hamper the project implementation. (PR)