THE INVESTIGATION into the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI’s ongoing road construction in the Panigan watershed has yet to start, a month after the report was made public.
To recall, Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps on April 17, that their committee will probe the DPWH XI on ongoing construction for the concreting of a farm-to-road market at Purok 7 and Purok 8, Barangay Carmen, Baguio District.
According to the Office of the City Engineer’s report on March 19, the road is 50% complete.
Ocampo revealed the committee has yet to convene on the matter due to the unavailability of the personnel from DPWH and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Gusto man gud nako nga makompleto sila, pag mo set og date nya dili kumpleto, masayang ra,” Ocampo told TIMES after the Aprubado sa Konseho, May 14.
The councilor said while he is not against any development given it is a national project, there must be at least coordination from the national agency.
He said even the City Engineers’ Office was unaware of the ongoing development. A verbal inquiry from the Assistant City Administrator (Operations) prompted the inspection of the area.
“We’d also urge the national government, national agencies nga tabang pud mo oy, coordinate pud mo, mag istorya lang gud ta para walay samok, pareha ani karon nag create og confusion,” he added.
The councilor stressed the committee will investigate the personality or if there is an authority behind the project and assess the damage, such as uprooted trees.
The ongoing road construction in the said area is under contract with Two Degrees Construction and Supply with a contract amount of P29,551,481.40, sourced from the General Appropriations Act CY 2023.
Purok 7 and Purok 8, Barangay Carmen, Baguio District are under protected zones of the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Watershed Code.
