CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated P2.74 billion for infrastructure projects in the first district of Northern Samar this year.

During an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, District Engineer Alvin Ignacio of the Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (NSFDEO) said the budget has been allocated for 77 projects specified in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Of these, 25 are for national road network services, three are for flood management services, one is for the local program, and 48 are for the basic infrastructure program.

“Aside from those specified projects, we will also prioritize infrastructure affected by recent flooding and those that caused disruption to the traveling public,” Ignacio said.

Ignacio clarified that three of the 77 projects will be implemented by the DPWH Regional Office 8; 39 have been bid out as of January 23, and the remaining 35 are still in the detailed engineering phase.

“I am relieved that the government has found ways to allocate a budget for this area.  I travel now and then to Tacloban for work, and the roads are getting worse every day. We felt hopeless and thought the administration would turn a blind eye to this pressing concern. Now, hearing this good news is a ray of hope,” said Lucila Montilla, provincial team leader of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 8.

Ignacio reiterated that NSFDEO is committed to utilizing allocated funds efficiently to alleviate commuters' torment, and enhance road connectivity, thus contributing to the province's overall development. (AAC/AND/PIA Northern Samar)