Updates on the region’s major infrastructure projects were discussed during the 2^nd Quarter Meeting of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC2) held on 22 June 2021 via videoconferencing with DPWH and NIA regional offices reporting positive feedback on the implementation of their respective major infrastructure projects.

 The DWPH was excited to report on the construction of the P2.4 Billion 1.58 kilometer long Mega Bridge that will connect the municipalities of Camalaniugan and Western Aparri in Cagayan. There will be an Approach Bridge with 18 spans by 55 meters at Approach A (Aparri West Side) and two spans by 55 meters at Approach B (Camalaniugan Side). In between is a 480-meter Cable Stayed Main Bridge which consists of two spans by 82.50 meters and two spans by 157.50 meters.

This iconic bridge, when completed in 2023, will serve as an alternate route to Magapit Suspension Bridge in Lal-lo, Cagayan which is the only bridge that crosses Cagayan River in the north. It will benefit some six thousand travellers per day and will reduce travel time from an hour and 30 minutes to only 30 to 45 minutes, thus enhancing the reliable movement of goods and the people to the other parts of Cagayan.

DPWH reported that the Amulung Bridge, which was scheduled for implementation from 2020 to 2023, has already posted a 14 percent accomplishment for Phase 1 including road right-of-way acquisition.

For irrigation projects, NIA reported that the Tumauini River Multipurpose Project (TRMP) which involves the construction of high dam and other related structures including an office building and an access road. This project is expected to be completed in 2026. It will irrigate some 8,200 hectares and benefit about 5,860 farmers.

The Dibuluan River Irrigation Project (DRIP), has registered an 86 percent accomplishment for its 2021 work targets. This project will service three barangays in San Agustin, Isabela and four barangays in Jones, Isabela. The Nassiping Pump Irrigation Project (NPIP) in Gattaran, Cagayan is nearing completion, and is already irrigating 16 percent or 166 of the 1,028 hectares target service area.

While the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project (CRPIP), a PHP4.23 billion loan funded project located in Tuao, Cagayan attained an accomplishment of 69.29 percent which is 3.52 percent behind the target of 72.81 percent as of May 31, 2021. The project will serve 8,700 hectares in the areas of Pinukpok, Kalinga and Tuao and Piat in Cagayan.

RPMC Chair and NEDA RO2 Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr. commended these agencies for the progress in the implementation of their respective projects despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The committee also endorsed to the RDC2 the request to DOH Central Office for the release of the remaining fund for the completion of the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) projects, namely: the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital Medical Arts Building; Kayapa RHU in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya; and the Medical Arts Building of the Gov. Faustino N. Dy Hospital in Ilagan City, Isabela.