BONTOC, Mtn. Prov. – The deadlines for the construction of Senior High School buildings were not met by contractors to the detriment of the intended users.
This was learned during the Senior High School (SHS) Physical Facilities Conference between the contractors of the buildings, the Department of Education (DepEd) – Mountain Province, and the Mountain Province District Engineering Office (MPDEO) on November 11, 2016 at the Dap-ayan Hall, DepEd Office here.
The conference was called to find ways on how to fast track the construction so these could be completed this year and to be used by students in the incoming school year or sooner.
Issues and concerns from all the parties involved in the implementation of the projects were tackled after the presentation of accomplishments and project status was done by Engr. Cristino Taynec of MPDEO.
Among the negative issues and concerns is the reported slow construction work that resulted in negative slippage. Some projects, however, were reported completed but still with some defects to be corrected.
The contractors voiced out factors that hampered the construction. However, the common sentiment was the contractors lacked financial capability thus the shortage of labor and materials.
Among the agreements to fast track the implementation of the projects are for the engineers from MPDEO and DepEd to jointly conduct final inspections and for the contractors to augment their manpower while implementing catch-up plans to complete the projects.
The possible billing for partial payments was also brought out considering the difficulties being encountered by the contractors. Although no commitment was assured by the MPDEO, the matter will be taken on a case to case basis as the general system on progressive billing is only applicable to projects with not more than 15% slippage.
Of the 23 school buildings under construction around the province, only 10 have been reported to be 100% completed.
These 23 buildings range from two to four storeys with a total of 147 classrooms and should be completed by the end of this year up to the first quarter of next year as committed by the contractors.
Schools Division Superintendent Gloria Buya-ao urged the contractors to put their hearts to their work and to consider the welfare of the children. “The completion of the buildings will be our Christmas gifts to our students”, she quipped.
Congressman Maximo Dalog expressed optimism that most buildings will be inaugurated before the end of the year. He urged contractors to fast track the work and to complete the projects as similar more school projects are in the pipeline.**Roger Sacyaten
