The Cagayan Valley Regional Development Council (RDC 2) approved all concerns endorsed by the council’s Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) during the 117th Full Council with Advisory Committee Meeting last 18 September 2020.
DPWH2 Regional Director Loreta M. Malaluan presented the IDC concerns on behalf of IDC Chair and Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos M. Padilla. The following projects were approved and endorsed by the council for funding: 1) Proposed Infrastructure Projects in Isabela, 2) Proposed Cauayan City Northeast Alternate Route, 3) Proposed Bypass Roads in Cagayan, and 4) Proposed Conversion of Local Roads to National Roads.
Endorsed infrastructure projects in Isabela include the construction of slope protection in six locations along the Ilagan-Divilacan Road; and the construction of the Fugu-Anggasian Bridge in Ilagan City. These projects will improve mobility of goods and people through a more disaster resilient road network not only in Isabela but in the whole region. Also approved for feasibility study is the proposed Cauayan City Northeast Alternate Route, which will replace the frequently flooded Alicaocao Overflow Bridge. This will link barangays across the Cagayan River to the city center.
For Cagayan, the DPWH proposed the construction of bypass roads that will reduce traffic congestion, avoid road closures during inundation, and improve road safety. Also, the Sangguniang Bayan of Tuao has requested the conversion of three municipal roads into national roads. These roads, when converted are expected to provide easy access and smooth flow of goods and commodities to and from production areas and marketing centers. Said projects will promote socioeconomic development in Southern Cagayan and in adjacent municipalities in the Cordillera and Ilocos.
The council also endorsed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the request to fast-track the accreditation of Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs). This will relieve congestion in existing motor vehicle registration centers in the region.
Moreover, the supplemental budget proposal of DPWH for FY 2021 amounting to PHP14.47 billion was also approved for endorsement. Projects under consideration were not included in DPWH’s original budget proposal due to delays caused by the lockdown. #DRD-Lawrence V. Nolasco