09 July 2012, The Philippine Star
by Delon Porcalla
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be receiving an additional P2.4-billion in fresh funding for purposes of boosting the government’s flagship Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program and improve more road projects in the country.
“The fund release will enable the DPWH to work out the preliminary requirements for both projects to facilitate quicker and more efficient project execution,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already approved the allocation, which will not only “support road and flood control right-of-way claims across the country” but develop more of President Aquino’s PPP projects that will be rolled out this year.
“The Aquino administration is laying down the proper groundwork for our private sector engagements so that project implementation will proceed seamlessly,” the cabinet member said.
Out of the P2.4 billion, P543.5 million will be used to cover the necessary preparatory activities for two PPP projects set for implementation this year.
Of the P543.5 million, P259.2 million will be directed to the Daang Hari SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) Link Road Project, while another P284.33 million will be used for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway project.
Under the Daang Hari project, at least P177.3 million will be used for right-of-way claims in affected areas and other related expenses, while P35.2 million will fund the widening of the bridge at the Susana Heights Interchange.
The rest of the funds will be used for individual consultant fees and Advance Improvement Works of Alabang-Sto. Tomas Development Inc., according to Abad.
The Daang Hari SLEX Link Road Project will involve the construction of a four-kilometer, four-lane toll road from the junction of Daang Reyna and Daang Hari in Las Piñas/Bacoor, Cavite to SLEX, traversing the new Bilibid Prison Reservation in Muntinlupa.
The project will facilitate the efficient flow of existing and future traffic to and from Bacoor, Cavite, and SLEX. It is also a critical segment of the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas (CALA) East-West Road Network linking the provinces of Cavite and Laguna.
The P284.3 million for the development of the NAIA Expressway will cover the initial payment for right-of-way claims for affected lots and properties, informal settlers, as well as the clearing of affected structures.
“The development of the NAIA Expressway will be crucial in improving access to and from NAIA. This is particularly important in view of the administration’s campaign to invigorate the tourism industry and ultimately, to increase the country’s economic viability and competitiveness,” Abad said.
The DBM has also released P1.85 billion to support nationwide road and flood control right-of-way claims under the DPWH, chargeable against lump-sum appropriations for payments of right-of-way Claims and Contractual Obligations under the DPWH budget in the 2012 national budget.
“Establishing flood control structures is especially urgent during the rainy season, when typhoons practically guarantee the presence of floods in specific areas and raise the risk for commuters and residents alike,” Abad said.
