DPWH SONA PROJECT IN NORTHERN MINDANAO ON TRACK

Considering its importance in the agricultural industry as indicated in the Japanese International Cooperation Agency assisted Master Plan Study in Mindanao Islands Strategic Road Network Development Project, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the fast track implementation of the Batangan-Kahaponan Section, Contract Package 1 of the Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia City Road Project in the province of Bukidnon.

DPWH Undersecretary Bashir Rasuman, in-charge of Mindanao Operations said that the project is now 43.5% complete and is scheduled to be completed by December this year.

"This road network is vital in the agricultural modernization program of the government as it connects the banana plantation and palm oil producers in Talaingod to the food processing facilities in Bukidnon" Rasuman said.

The Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia Road project is one of he Super Region projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the Agribusiness Mindanao Region as it also promotes peace and order development and will eventually provide investment and employment opportunities in Mindanao.

DPWH Region X Director Jerome Dela Rosa said that the project includes the concreting of access road leading to Batangan and improvement of the old Batangan Steel Truss Bridge.

A total of P300 Million was already released accomplish all the program of works for this year.

"Because of its great impact in the economy of Mindanao, we are constantly conduct on site inspection and weekly coordination meeting with the contractor to assure that the project would be completed on schedule" Dela Rosa added.