DPWH denies delay in Aklan river project
The Philippine Daily Inquirer

This has reference to the news article “Aklan dads urge probe of P96-M dredging project,” by Nestor P. Burgos Jr. (Inquirer, 12/28/10)
According to Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region VI, contrary to the allegations that the project has been delayed, the dredging work on Aklan River was 93.75-percent complete as of Dec. 15, 2010, which means it was at the time 47.64 percent ahead of its target completion date.
The immediate construction of Sabo structures upstream, the dredging and the river improvement in the middle trenches were recommended by the DPWH Flood Control and Sabo Engineering Center Project Management Office after Typhoon “Frank” in June 2008. Also, to ensure transparency, representatives of the provincial government of Aklan, the DPWH central office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources were allowed to observe the project surveys. The revision of the disposal site locations near the river mouth was delayed because the Environmental Compliance Certificate for the project was issued only in May 2010.
Director Barroso also clarified that there was no irregularity in the conduct of the bidding process, as the DPWH Central Bids and Awards Committee Task Working Group conducted an eligibility check on all bidders who submitted their letters of intent, and the procurement process was conducted in compliance with Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
Lastly, the allegations of provincial board member Rodson Mayor have been clarified by DPWH Region VI before Aklan’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

- ELIZABETH P. PILORIN

Chief, Public Information Division

Department of Public Works and Highways, Manila