DAVAO ORIENTAL— The Provincial Government here is set to construct disaster-resilient infrastructure projects in four barangays in the town of Governor Generoso.
These projects include the construction of level-two potable water system in Barangay Tandang Sora, and covered courts in Barangays Anitap, Upper Tibanban, and Monserat.
Financed through loan proceeds from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), each barangay has been allocated with P 3 million budget for the said projects.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, who led the series of groundbreaking ceremonies on May 7, said that these projects are part of his administration’s thrust to further strengthen the Provincial Government’s existing infrastructure development program that aims to expand access to infrastructure, utilities and social services especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas or GIDAs.
He said that the Provincial Government is working on constructing facilities that are efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, especially in hinterland villages wherein there is difficulty in terms of access to basic government infrastructure and services.
Engr. John Christopher Algallar of the Provincial Engineering Office said that these projects, particularly the covered courts, will not only become a venue to hold sports event and assemblies but will also serve as evacuation center in times of disaster as they are designed to withstand typhoons with maximum sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour. Also, the structure is designed to withstand earthquakes considering that the province is connected to the Philippine Fault Line, making it predisposed to earthquake hazards.
A CALL TO PROTECT NATURE
Governor Generoso Mayor Katrina Joy Orencia thanked the Provincial Government for the projects that are set for construction.
She called on the villagers, particularly in PWS-recipient barangay of Tandang Sora to help sustain their water source by protecting trees and nearby watersheds.
Since the water system can only supply 8 sub-villages based on its P3 Million original budget, Governor Dayanghirang said he will look for additional funding to able to reach more households, especially those who live in the Poblacion area.
The Governor likewise encouraged the villagers to form associations that will regulate and maintain the water system. He said this will serve as an income-generating business for the residents by the time they upgrade into level-three water system.
Since the beginning of his administration, the Governor has directed the key offices of the provincial government to identify priority infrastructures and linked with funding agencies in the national government that can support these projects.
A series of groundbreaking ceremony of multi-purpose buildings in some barangays of Banaybanay and Lupon Town will resume next week after the barangay elections. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
