ILIGAN CITY —The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Public Works (MPW) held a contract signing ceremony here on June 6, 2024 to mark the commencement of infrastructure projects under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2022 and Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) 2022-2023.
The event saw participation from key officials of MPW and representatives from the winning private contractors.
The SDF 2022, with a budget of P167,955,500, will fund numerous construction projects aimed at enhancing the road network and water supply systems in various parts of Lanao del Sur’s second district. These projects include the construction and opening of new road phases, the concreting of existing roads, and the installation of water systems in underserved areas.
On the other hand, the TDIF, with a total budget of P112,235,790 for the years 2022 and 2023, will also support a wide range of community infrastructure projects. These include the concreting of barangay roads, installation of solar street lights, development of water systems, construction of covered courts, and the establishment of children’s parks and multipurpose buildings.
These initiatives are spread across several municipalities, including Picong, Butig, Lumbayanague, Bayang, Malabang, and Balindong.
District Engineer Maldamin Decampong highlighted the importance of collaboration and compliance among the contractors.
“We have a very smooth and good collaboration with the contractors. Almost all private contractors in Lanao del Sur’s second district are compliant with the Republic Act 9184 [Government. Procurement Reform Act]. We really give emphasis on this to avoid delayed projects,” he said.
“We strictly observe the avoidance of delayed projects. In fact, we have barred some contractors from participating in any future office procurement processes because some of them reached the maximum limit of delaying the project,” Decampong added.
He also urged public vigilance, stating, “We are asking the public to be observant and try to monitor the projects that are being implemented in their respective areas. If you observe or find out some deficiencies in the implementation of the projects, immediately call our attention and In sha’Allah we will act immediately against those erring contractors. We do not condone bad practices of private contractors.”
In an exclusive interview, Assistant District Engineer Kamar Mauyag provided an update on their recent accomplishments.
“For the fiscal year 2023, we have accomplished around 50 to 60% of the projects. For 2024 projects, we have started to procure and we are now around 30% so we are right on track”.
He also mentioned that their district office is implementing three kinds of projects – those under contract, those covered by memoranda of agreement with local government units, and those administered directly through their office. He further expressed gratitude to MPW Minister Eduard Guerra for allowing them to undertake projects exceeding 30 million pesos, seeing this as a testament to the district office’s effective performance.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors present during the ceremony, Ebrahim Macapodi, proprietor of Sann Construction Services, reiterated the contractors’ commitment to upholding legal and quality standards.
“Us, contractors, have a good relationship with MPW. We make sure to always follow the procurement law in doing our duty and mandate”, said Macapodi.
During the ceremony, the MPW reiterated its commitment in advancing infrastructure development and improving public services in Lanao del Sur, ensuring that the projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
