BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The robust infrastructure development in Cordillera plays an important role in driving regional economic growth, enhancing public safety and better quality of life in rural communities.
Department of Public Works and Highways – Cordillera Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol affirmed this during the maiden episode of the synchronized “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on Tuesday, (May 28) with the DPWH as the featured agency.
Tanggol said that under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., infrastructure development initiatives will not only transform the physical landscape but also create jobs, foster innovation and promote sustainable development.
“Sabi ng ating mahal na Pangulo during his SONA, na iyung ating infrastructure, it has to be expanded, so I am proud to announce that our region has achieved one of the fastest growth rate in gross regional domestic product in the country with a 6.9 percent increase from 2022 to 2023.”
This remarkable growth underscores our region’s dynamic economic landscape and the effectiveness of our strategic initiative, Tanggol said.
Reporting on the DPWH-CAR’s accomplishments, Tanggol cited a total of 239 kilometers of roads constructed, maintained, widened, upgraded and rehabilitated; 12 bridges upgraded, rehabilitated and strengthened; 68,528 linear meters of flood control structures constructed and maintained; and 296 completed school buildings and classrooms.
There were also 300 kilometers of roads connecting to indigenous people’s communities and strategic public buildings; 147 rain water collectors and water supply constructed and rehabilitated; 151 multi – purpose building constructed.
The infrastructure development projects generated 22,930 jobs, he added.
For other infrastructures that also played crucial role to economic growth, Tanggol reported a total 17.09 kilometers of roads constructed and improved leading to declared tourism destinations, while a total of 15.53 kilometers of roads were constructed and improved leading to trade, industries and economic zones.
The DPWH has bared several new projects and initiatives that will further enhance the region’s infrastructure capabilities.
“These efforts are designed to meet the demands of our rapidly growing population and economy, while ensuring that our infrastructure is resilient and future-proof,” according to Tanggol.
In further boosting the region’s economic growth through infra development, the DPWH – CAR is also working on inter-regional connectivity project that involves the construction, paving and/or rehabilitation of an estimated 1,208 km of roads connecting Cordillera to Region 1, and 84.28 km of roads connecting to Region 2, with a total proposed budget of P17.95 billion.
Department of Trade and Industry – CAR Regional Director Juliet Lucas and Department of Tourism- CAR Chief Tourism Operations Officer Sylvia Chinayog also joined the Kapihan to share their respective offices infrastructure convergence program with DPWH – CAR.
Office of Civil Defense – CAR Operations Officer Frankie Cortez also reported on the disaster risk reduction and management initiatives in the region with several major roads prone to landslides. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
DTI – CAR Regional Director Juliet Lucas (with Mic) reports on the ROLL – IT converngence program with DPWH and its importance in bringing economic growth to communities, especially to MSMEs during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on May 28, 2024 at the DPWH-CAR office in Baguio City. (CCD/PIA CAR)
