PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) -- The provincial government of Palawan is eyeing to align P2 billion in approved loans from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) with infrastructure projects to strengthen the province’s resilience against climate change.
Acting Provincial Engineer Aireen Laguisma said during the Arampangan sa Kapitolyo that the proposed programs to utilize the loan include road concreting, a flood control program, and forward operating base in the northern and southern portions of Palawan.
The fund will be sourced from the recently signed loan agreement extended by the DBP to the province last December.
“We aim to make our province ready, prepared at maging resilient tayo while embarking for the climate change— flooding at pagtaas ng dagat,
[We aim to make our province ready, prepared, and resilient while embarking on climate change--flooding and rise of sea level]," Laguisma said.
The road development will ensure the connectivity and accessibility of communities in times of disaster with a P1.4 billion budget allocation, covering 76 kilometers of road in the province.
Around P300 million is also allocated for flood control, underscoring the flooding experience of the province, particularly in the southern towns.
The municipalities of Brooke’s Point and Sofronio Española recorded P30 million in damages to infrastructure projects in January 2023.
Laguisma added that the same amount will be allocated for the forward operating base in line with the disaster preparedness goal of the provincial government.
(From left to right) Provincial Treasurer Elino Mondragon, Engr. Aireen Laguisma- OIC Provincial Engineer, and Provincial Information Officer Atty. Christian Cojamco during the Arampangan sa Kapitolyo/Photo by PIA Palawan
The base is designed to be a three-storey building with a complete backup generator set and water tanks to ensure preparedness in the event of disasters.
“We are ready here in Puerto Princesa— but how are we going to provide immediate response (sa ibang munisipyo)? Wide ang stretch ng Palawan. Magsi-serve din siya na mini capitol
[We are ready here in Puerto Princesa-- but how are we going to provide an immediate response (in other towns)? Palawan has a wide stretch. It will also serve as a mini capitol]," she said.
The provincial government will start procuring supplies for the proposed projects in 2024. The timeline of completion will depend on the number of kilometers of road to be concreted. The budget allocated per kilometer ranges from P18 to P20 million.
Laguisma is positive that aside from addressing disaster-prone areas in the south, it will also improve accident-prone areas in the north due to challenging road structures. (RG/PIA Mimaropa - Palawan)
