By Jade Dela Cruz Miguel
MANILA March 23 (PNA) — The Department of Transportation and Comunications (DOTC) reported its award of one hundred projects in 2013 through competitive bidding which reflects their procurement performance last year.
According to DOTC Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya, among these projects were the rehabilitation and improvement of numerous ports and airports across the country, supply of Coast Guard equipment, and master planning of Metro Manila transport systems. He added that the aforementioned projects are now being implemented and completed in various stages.
Abaya said that many Filipinos are now being benefitted by their projects. “While we are still rolling out our big ticket projects, we have been mindful of the plight of the majority of Filipinos who rely on these infrastructure facilities for their livelihood.
He shared that fisherfolk who depend on functioning ports and wharves, agribusiness and commercial traders whose businesses count on air cargo transportation – are already starting to benefit from these crucial projects.
The department’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) has obligated funds at 70 percent for its projects translating to P 21,583,165,000.00 out of its 2013 allotments which amounted to P 30,738,436,000.00.
DOTC’s 2013 projects concerning ports and airports include: port improvement projects in Meycauayan, Marinduque and Siargao; airport upgrading works in Naga, Catarman and Butuan; installation of airfield lighting systems for the Ozamiz, Dipolog, Roxas, and Cotabato airports; and the construction of various lots of “Kayo ang Boss Ko” or “KBK” toilet facilities for airports, seaports and other related offices in different regions.
The agency has also constructed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Office and Land Transportation (LTO) District Office in Cagayan de Oro and Tangub City, respectively.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also been given new assets, such as the development of search-and-rescue (SAR) bases in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao, and the procurement of 50 rubber boats for rescue operations. (PNA)