KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) — The provincial government of Cotabato has invested over P18.6 million in infrastructure projects for the six barangays in the province.
The project also includes the construction of a box culvert in Barangay Upper Paatan, Kabacan, with a total cost of P3.6 million.
Bannering her “Serbisyong Totoo” brand of governance, Gov. Emmylou Mendoza emphasized the importance of the projects to improve the welfare and quality of life of her constituents in the province.
“Ang ‘Serbisyo Totoo’ ang ating gabay sa paglilingkod. Patunay nito ang mahusay at masusing pamamahala sa kaban ng bayan,” she said.
(The “Serbisyo Totoo” is our compass to public service. It serves as our guide for efficient and thorough management of the public treasury.)
Mendoza also noted that the projects are in accordance with the national government’s policies and guidelines for implementing programs that could lessen the burden on the populace.
Upper Paatan barangay chairperson Crispin Tangalen also described the project as an “answered prayer” for residents who frequently face flooding during the rainy season.
“Gov. Lala, kami ay labis na nagpapasalamat sa paglaan ninyo ng pondo para sa proyektong matagal na naming inaasam sa Barangay Upper Paatan,” said Tangalen, expressing gratitude to the provincial government, especially Mendoza’s initiative to implement the program.
(Gov. Lala, we are deeply grateful for your allocation of funds for the project we have long desired in Barangay Upper Paatan.)
He rationalized that the creek, located along the barangay road, overflows, flooding nearby barangays in addition to their own, pointing out the significance of the project.
Furthermore, five barangays in M’lang also received their own infrastructure projects, which they long aspired to have in their respective areas.
The projects are the concreting of a barangay road in Barangay Bagontapay, which costs P4,994,125.18; the construction of a water system project at Purok 2, Barangay New Janiuay, which amounts to P1,497,839.37; the construction of a covered court at Langkong Elementary School with a fund of P4,996,907.32; the construction of three units of solar dryers at Barangay New Antique, allotted with P1,497,189.44; and the completion of a covered court (stage and bleachers) in Barangay New Dalipe with a fund allocation of P1,997,833.33.
“This covered court is more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and unity,” said Langkong Elementary School Principal Vivien Salazar.
In her speech, Salazar expressed gratitude to the provincial government for implementing the infrastructure project at their school.
She explained that the project is useful for conducting school activities that could help pupils learn more and develop their talents and skills.
Meanwhile, Mendoza disclosed that last year, the provincial government was able to implement infrastructure projects amounting to P718 million.
The various projects included school buildings, water supply, concreting and asphalting provincial and barangay roads, hanging bridges, covered courts, multipurpose buildings, and many others.
Mendoza also commended the province’s district representatives for their support in the implementation of projects, particularly priority infrastructure such as roads and school buildings, among others.
She then reassured the other barangays that more projects are underway to improve the community’s economic activity, advance business, and boost rural investment, benefiting the province’s coffers. (SJDM – PIA Cotabato City)
