P5.2-billion infra projects lined up in BARMM

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has lined up various infrastructure projects in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) next year.

Emil Sadain, DPWH undersecretary for unified project management office, operations and technical services, gave a report on the projects during the first meeting of the BARMM Intergovernmental Relations Body for Infrastructure Development.

Sadain said the expected infrastructure boom would harness the economic potentials and comparative advantages of the region.

He said among the priorities are the rehabilitation of the highway and widening of the Basilan circumferential road in Basilan and reconstruction and upgrading of the Jolo-Indanan-Parang-Silangkan Road, Jolo-Taglibi-Tiptipon Road, Jolo Port-Bud Daho-Romandier Road in Sulu.

The DPWH had earlier assisted the BARMM Ministry of Public Works (MPW) in identifying priority projects to ensure that strategic regional needs are considered in national plans and regional plans are aligned with national priorities.

In addition to funds to be provided by the national government, the BARMM will use its annual block grant to build P12.14 billion infrastructure projects. The amount is the share of the Bangsamoro government in the national internal revenue collections of the Bureaus of Internal Revenue and Customs.

An additional P5 billion will be provided by the national government as Special Development Fund to rebuild, rehabilitate and develop conflict-affected communities in the region.

A memorandum of agreement between the DPWH and BARMM is being finalized to synchronize infrastructure plans and programs.