THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) III said it received no complaint from the people of Loboc, nor question, the implementation of the riprapping project along the Loboc riverbanks, famous for its river cruising that attracts visitors.
“Let it be known that this office (DPWH III) has neither received any formal complaint from the LGU Loboc or any of its constituents nor reports on the site of any concern regarding the on-going projects along the Loboc river,” its statement pointed out.
The clarification was issued after the Tagbilaran Baywatch allegedly caused or the source of the publication of news article that Loboc thru its mayor questions the project.
“It is necessary that a fair and impartial reporting be made. May both sides be given a chance to be heard before the piece is published,” DPWH lamented.
The DPWH III said that thru its planning and design section conducted consultation with the LGU Loboc annually, especially in the determination of priority programs, activity and projects (PAPs) for funding.
“The LGU has received additional support from the office in holding consultation meetings with the impacted communities,” it said.
On the plan for dredging of the river’s silt, DPWH said that the agency is considering it in response to Congresswoman Alexie B. Tutor’s request for funding of the dredging machine (amphibious excavator) acquisition.
As a response, the agency sent the Bureau of Equipment to inspect the proposed site for dredging and discussed the dredging plan. “Finalization of the said procedure is on going,” it said.
Short of saying that there was wrong project prioritization and tree cutting is untrue, DPWH III said that prioritization is made and attended to, like the road slips, slope collapse or landslide, particularly in barangay Bagumbayan after the typhoon Odette.
As far as the tree cutting is concerned, the agency has secured the special tree cutting permit from the LGU and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) prior to effecting the slashing of the trees in project areas.
The statement provided photos that consultations and other activities relative to project implementation have been followed.
“This district office is sincere with its commitment in providing quality, safe and environment-friendly public infrastructure projects. Thus, the office welcomes questions and is open and honest about all of its transactions,” the statement concluded. (ricobedenci@yahoo.com)
