CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) - - The Department of Public Works and Highways  in the province has  adopted a 70-30 equitable distribution scheme on budget allocations for infrastructure projects.

 
DPWH  Kalinga district officials explain that under the system, 30 percent  of district engineering budget goes  to local roads and other basic infrastructure  projects while 70% of the total appropriations to DPWH core projects  such as national roads, flood control, water supply and buildings. 

Kalinga District Representative Allen Jesse Mangaoang supports this scheme saying “the greater goal under this formula is to bring economic benefits to the remaining inaccessible barangays of Kalinga through the construction of roads leading to production areas and tourism sites, market access for local products and commercial goods, and safe travel for the riding public.”
 

Meanwhile, Lower Kalinga District Engineer Ruby Uyam  reported a 63% physical progress on 101 projects within their jurisdiction.  She mentioned that out of the 99 projects put up for bidding, 92 were issued a notice to proceed (NTP), with two  in progress.

Uyam said the Lower Kalinga District  Engineering Office  is  allocated a total budget of P3.37 Billion for infrastructure projects this year.  One big project  is the Chico River Mega Dike with  a multi-year appropriation with P200M allotted this 2023. 

 The LKEO  is also currently working  on improvements of primary roads such as Tabuk to Enrile,  Tabuk-Paracelis, and Tabuk-Barlig  roads. 

 
For the Upper Kalinga DEO,   District Engineer Teodoro Owek highlighted the  64% physical accomplishment on 78 projects within their area of responsibility. Of the 77 projects put up for bidding, 75 were given NTP. As of August 31 this year,  18 projects have been successfully completed.
 
Under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, the UKDEO was appropriated a total budget of P2.5 billion, Owek said.
 
Notable projects include rocknetting, concreting of the Apayao-Kalinga-Abra road, and the ongoing opening of the Dao-angan-Ab-abaan-Ballayangon road.   

Mangaoang played a crucial role in securing funding for priority infrastructure projects for Kalinga, ensuring their continuous appropriation in the GAA for 2024 and beyond. He explained  that this strategic focus on improving inter-connectivity through infrastructure development is expected to attract investors, boost trade and commerce, and eventually pave the way for Kalinga's industrialization. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)