DAVAO ORIENTAL – Putting premium on building the necessary public infrastructure and ensuring to enhance accessibility through the creation of roads especially in far-flung barangays, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang recently led the blessing of the province’s newly acquired fleet of heavy equipment.

The twenty units of brand-new heavy equipment blessed on Thursday, December 12 at the Provincial Capitol include two units of loaders, two units of graders, two units boom trucks, four units four by four trucks, and one unit manlift.

Officer In-charge of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Engr. Ruel Dumadag, said that the new heavy equipment will be utilized primarily for the maintenance of roads. He said this new set of equipment is necessary amid the Governor’s directive to implement the total road rehabilitation of provincial, barangay, and local roads.

Governor Dayanghirang has ordered to prioritize the rehabilitation and maintenance of roads especially on areas that are prone to flooding. By next year, the Provincial Engineer’s Office is set to fully implement its drainage rehabilitation program which include replacement of damaged and old culverts.

Aside from the construction, the equipment will also be utilized for other purposes such as rescue operations in times of disasters.

The acquisition of the new equipment is part of the P200 million funding sourced out through loan proceeds from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). Aside from the heavy equipment, portion of earmarked budget will be utilized for the improvement of the Provincial Motorpool.

For the Motorpool Project, Acting Provincial Treasurer, Engr. Ma. Victoria Rodriguez said that the project will include the construction of a new building that will house the fleet of light to heavy equipment. The project also includes another facility to house the repair area. “While we have already established an existing building, we need to expand more because of additional units,” Engr. Rodriguez said.

On the other hand, as another means to generate revenue, the Provincial Government is set to explore leasing the equipment to private contractors. “Although local government units don’t have to pay, the equipment is open for rental for private contractors. “This is part of our revenue generation but the local government, from the municipal down to the barangay, or any public entities, who will be requesting the equipment, will surely be availing for free,” she added, noting however that there will be counterparting scheme that will be arranged for expenses such as fuel and other mobilization expenses. PIO