Romblon approves P43.4M LGU subprojects

By Dinnes Manzo

Wednesday 20th of June 2012

ODIONGAN, Romblon, June 20 (PIA) -- The Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) of Romblon has approved the three municipal local government units’ (LGU) subproject proposals, with an estimated total cost of P43.4 million.

The three municipal LGUs convened on June 15 at the Governor’s Extension Office, Odiongan, Romblon to present and discuss their respective subproject proposals to the newly created PSC.

During the presentation, MAO Martin F. Lasaga, III of Odiongan and OIC-M.A. Redentor R. Altobano of Magdiwang presented their respective subprojects on the Relocation and Construction of Municipal Slaughterhouse with Waste Water Treatment Facilities amounting to P9,999,489.92 and P6,030,416 respectively.

Moreover, M.A. Dario R. Gacu of San Andres presented two subprojects namely Improvement & Expansion of Water Supply System-Level III amounting to P21,999,863 and the Relocation and Construction of Municipal Slaughterhouse with Waste Water Treatment Facilities amounting to P5,437,936.

Funds shall come from the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project (ICRMP) - Component “D” on Social and Environmental Services and Facilities (SESF), which is implemented by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) through its cost and financing scheme. The subprojects as presented went through a comprehensive appraisal and evaluation of the Provincial Steering Committee with the assistance of ICRMP consultants and other stakeholders.

Manuel F. David, officer-in-charge,sub-office and executive assistant III of the Office of the Governor acknowledged the untiring efforts of the three participating MLGU’s by saying that these subprojects are a big steps in promoting and developing our coastal and marine resources having an improved social and environment facilities in the province as embodied in Component “D” of the ICRMP.

Porfirio L. Alcachupas of DENR-4B, during the program, presented the project overview, its objectives and the Executive Order No. 12-04-001 Series of 2012 entitled “Creation of PSC for the ICRMP,” signed last May 4, 2012 by governor Eduardo C. Firmalo.

Likewise, Provincial ICRM Specialist, Generoso E. Udanga said in an interview that out of eight municipalities who were involved in the ICRMP province-wide, only three municipalities such as Odiongan, San Andres and Magdiwang availed of the Component “D” subprojects.

Udanga said that this component addresses the basic social services needs of the disadvantaged coastal communities and supports local government’s efforts to mitigate coastal pollution and degradation of resources.

The subprojects were critically appraised and evaluated through the technical assistance of the ICRMP Consultants and Economists Ace Neptuno and Christine M. Ramos with the members of PSC and other concerned officials. After the appraisal and evaluation, the PSC shall endorse the subproject proposals to the Project Management Office (PMO) of the DENR and to others who are involved in the final review of these subprojects before the release of funds.

Construction of the projects shall start after a couple of months to give ample time for pre-construction requirements preparation. (Contributed by: Engr. Raymund G. Inocencio, EMS II-ENRO/LBR/DM-PIA4B Romblon)