The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) has lined up for completion this year at least five major infrastructure projects worth P18.49 billion under President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build (BBB) program, a MinDa official told lawmakers on Tuesday.
During a hearing of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs chaired by Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo last Tuesday, MinDa Deputy Executive Director Romeo “Yo” Montenegro said these five projects represent 52.44 percent out of the total P35.26-billion BBB projects targeted for completion within the year.
These projects include coastal roads and flood control systems.
“We have seen the accomplishments of the Duterte administration in terms of infrastructure. We have big-ticket projects under the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), which have reached roughly 80 percent that can be completed next year. We also have big ticket projects that are 50 percent completed already that we still need to fight for so that Mindanao can ensure that it will be completed in the succeeding administration,” Dimaporo said.
Montenegro said Mindanao has obtained P551-billion or 11.69 percent out of the P4.72 trillion budget for the BBB program of the Duterte administration.
For 2022, Mindanao is also expected to complete four BBB projects worth P35.44 billion.
“This is based on the indicated timelines for milestone accomplishment every year of these long-gestating and multi-year BBB projects,” Montenegro said.
Moreover, Mindanao is expected to complete nine BBB projects by 2023 onwards, amounting to P274 billion or 8.39 percent of the P3.266 trillion total BBB projects for completion in 2023 and beyond.
Still under the BBB Program, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Project Management Officer Richard Villanueva presented the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP), which includes a new concept of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).
Features of the HPBS include integration of bike and bus lanes, an Intelligent Transport System, new terminals, depots, driving school, new bus stops, as well as bus fleets.
DPWH Director Constante Llanes Jr. also informed the committee of their various convergence programs such as the Panguil Bay Bridge, which is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Other projects under the DPWH include the Flood Risk Management for Cagayan de Oro River and the on-going feasibility study on Davao City Flood Control and Drainage Project. For the DOTr’s Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) on Tagum – Davao- Digos Segment, Project Information Officer Chris Geonzon said that the partial operation is targeted for March 2022 and proposed to be in full operation by June 2023.
The MRP also includes other segments, which are currently under a feasibility study.
Last year, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez said Mindanao is at the front and center of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program.
The finance chief also said his department has been able to secure financing for some infrastructure and peace-building projects in the region even amid the pandemic.
