Photo: Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Brgy. Argao.Cong. Velasco's PDAF and fund sources
In the province of Marinduque the DPWH with funding sources from Cong. Velasco's PDAF and various infrastructure including local projects (VILP), continues to undertake various projects. This include asphalt overlaying and concreting of the Marinduque Circumferential Road, construction or repair of multi-purpose buildings, construction or rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, repair and maintenance of revetment walls and construction of water systems, etc.
Addressing DPWH corruption issues
Over the years the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has been perceived by the public as one of the most corrupt agencies. According to a report from DPWH itself corruption occurs in areas such as procurement of civil works, consultancy services and goods and materials, quality of infrastructure projects, implementation and organizational structure. To rectify this situation, steps have been undertaken to initiate reforms.
In these photos: FMR Brgy. Candahon
FMR in Brgy. Balanacan
FMR Marketsite, Mogpog
FMR Brgy. Laon
FMR Brgy. CapayangSome of these are the development of a computer-based DPWH registry of civil works contractors for eligibility and screening of contractors.
Quarterly assessment by the Quality Assurance Unit to check compliance of on-going and completed projects with the approved specifications. In areas where delays appear to be deliberately done by some contractors or consultants so that project duration can be extended, necessarily extending also the works of contractors and consultants, corrective measures have also been undertaken.
Appropriate measures have, likewise, been undertaken so that construction materials are in conformity with the standard specification requirements of the Department.
In the area of projects implementation, it has been observed that camaraderie between contractors and DPWH personnel has in many cases led to laxity in project implementation and assessment. Job rotation of personnel, therefore, to avoid camaraderie with contractors is a continuing process.
DPWH Secretary Singson's move
On his part, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, has encouraged the involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), not only in the budgeting process but in all stages of project development cycle. They are also encouraged to work hand in hand with LGU’s, congressmen and other significant government agencies in identifying and prioritizing projects in rural areas.
FMR Brgy. Sumangga
Response from the local Diocese
As far as the local Church, the Diocese of Boac, is concerned it has had the opportunity to work hand in hand with the DPWH Marinduque District Office to ensure that “ill-managed projects of the past” are avoided.
In a letter sent to the DPWH Secretary Singson earlier this year, the Diocese of Boac, through Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista, expressed satisfaction that the DPWH District Office under District Engineer Tiburcio Canlas, has been carrying out his duty “with utmost diligence”.
“The province of Marinduque has long suffered from infrastructural projects, which are either overpriced or were done with low standard and thus were easily damaged due to poor structural integrity”, Evangelista stated.
(cont'd)