TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE -- Representatives of Namkwang Kukdong Gumgwang JV and Project Management Consultants, Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) and Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte convened for a Multi-Partite Management Team (MMT) Orientation Meeting on the Panguil Bay Bridge Project (PBB).
During the meeting, OJin Kwon, construction team manager of NKG-JV, presented an overview and update on the civil works of the PBB Project. The NKG-JV announced that for the planned 40 EA board filing works scheduled for 2021, 28 EA are already installed at the site as of October. For the substructure, there are still 12 EA (column) that need to be accomplished for 2021.
NKG-JV pollution control officer Marlo Japsvon Rico discussed several environmental activities and the amended Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) conditions to address various concerns of the residents and local government units, particularly along with the coastal areas.
In her message, Governor Imelda 'Angging' Quibranza Dimaporo emphasized the importance of this undertaking to address and protect the Panguil Bay itself.
"This should have been finished before the construction of the bridge, but it is not too late. We still have a lot to do to protect the marine life and recapture the beauty of the Panguil Bay," the Governor said.
Additionally, Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo of the 2nd District appealed for the constant support of the DPWH for the continuous development of the project.
The PBB Project is a 3.7km-long two-lane bridge that will supposedly be completed before 2023. However, due to some setbacks, the construction of the bridge has been delayed.
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Agreement between the DPWH and other concerned offices and sectoral groups was signed to create a Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT), Environmental Monitoring Fund, and the Environmental Guarantee Fund. The MMT will be comprised of the DPWH, local government units (PGLDN, municipal & barangay), non-government organizations such as concerned Fishelfolks Association, Women's Association & MSU-MSAT, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). MMT aims to monitor the project compliance and other measures about the development of the PBB project.
The conference and MOA signing were personally attended and witnessed by Director Reynaldo S. Digamo of the DENR-EMB Region 10 and the Project Manager III of the DPWHTeresita Bauzon.
The Governor assured unceasingly support to the DPWH and the Korean Contractors to see to it that the development of the PBB project will go smoothly as it carries out its construction duration in 2023.
The project will not only shorten the travel time to Tangub City, Misamis Occidental but will also open doors for further development, bridging diverse cultures and traditions for a better future for the whole Zamboanga Peninsula. (PIO-LDN)
