BONTOC, Mtn. Province – A display of real unity and convergence at its best!
Congressman Maximo Dalog Sr. and the Board Members of the province led by Vice Governor Francis Tauli met at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan hall in the presence of the Provincial Engineer Edward Likigan and District Engineer Alberto Gahid of the Mountain Province First Engineering District Office to thresh out issues and concerns on road conversions in the province.
Board Member Henry Bastian who presided the meeting set the initial issue on the issuance of certifications and duplication of funding by either of the two offices.
He asked why the provincial government requires certification from the Department of Public Works and Highways, particularly that the subject project site is a provincial road. It was clarified that the issuance of certification is to avoid duplication of funding.
The provincial government or the DPWH must not be funding similar projects with similar stationing at the same road stretch.
Engr. Edward Likigan of the Provincial Engineering Office commented that similar projects may be implemented by both parties in the road stretch but, however, it must be adjusted to the stationing limits in parts.
Another concern clarified by Congressman Dalog is about a scenario of both offices funding similar projects, who will adjust? Assistant District Engineer Esther Taynec said that the provincial government will adjust especially if the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is released. It is easier for the LGU to adjust than the DPWH.
Later, the two parties agreed to notify each office, especially the provincial government to be notified by DPWH of fund provisions for provincial roads so that the officials will not cause the provision of funds for particular projects.
The conversions of the provincial roads to national roads were discussed. Initially, five (5) provincial roads were proposed by Congressman Dalog in a recent Provincial Development Council meeting.
However, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recommends and supports the conversion of the following: Mtn. Province – Ilocos Sur road via Dacudac; Mtn. Province – Ifugao road via Natonin and Aguinaldo section; and the Paracelis – Mallig road, all provincial roads to be converted to national roads.
Two provincial roads were not included; the Abatan=Mabaay and Sangan-Sagada roads. Board Member Kapon Gomgom-o would like to know the reason why the two roads were not included citing that he is from Sagada. That comment elicited grins from participants.
It was known that the DPWH- MPDEO, both district offices had and continue to implement road projects in all the said provincial roads.**Roger Sacyaten
