Public Works in Aklan

On July 25, 2009, Kapehan Sa Aklan discussed "Public Works in Aklan." Engr. Roberto Cabigas, District Engineer–DPWH, Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa, Engr. Roger M. Esto, PPDO, and Engr. Victory Fernandez – PEO served as the guest resource persons.

In their opening statements, both Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente spoke of the significant achievements done by DPWH and PEO offices in hastening progress and economic activity to the countryside, particularly in Aklan. It should be underscored that one criteria of quality living standard established by the United Nations is case of mobility.

Mayor Navarosa had a power point presentation of his pet projects in Libacao namely: farm to market road (FMR) 8.0 kilometers from Loctuga passing Manika to Brgy. Oyang and Mega River Control project 1.5 kilometers that cost P40 million. The FMR serves as vital link to other infra projects like hydropower (5 units of 3 to 5 MW cap), potable water and irrigation. Power plants are planned to be established in barangays Oyang, Manika, and Ogsip by Sun West Company (SOWECO), a Chinese firm.

Navarosa said, "Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City and Local Water Utilities Administration have discussed their plan of sourcing out domestic water needs from Libacao. Current supply of 56,000 cubic meters per day is largely inadequate with the demand of 350,000."

Other viable projects lined up to provide employment are eco-tourism, vegetable, and cutflower production. Navarosa however, admit-ted foreign investments hinge on stable peace and order and all weather FMR’s.

Engr. Fernandez, an infra veteran since Governor Roberto Garcia administration said, "Aklan has 330 kilometers of provincial roads classified into paved (concrete) 40 percent and unpaved (dirt/gravel road) 60 percent.

Engr. Roger Esto, Provincial Planning Chief mentioned that the Daguitan – Madalag bridge was appropriated P10 million last year while another P10 million is approved this year. Indeed, funding is on piece-meal basis because of economic crunch. However, lobbying is done with Australian and British Embassies for grants in-aid projects.

District Engineer Roberto Cabigas said "Aklan has 166 kilometers concrete/macadamized highway. Only remote places as Buruanga–Libertad road (10 kilometers) and Altavas–Jamindan road (4 kilometers) are not paved." Turning to flood control, the original cost estimate of dredging and building concrete embankments on the 9.0 kilometer stretch, both sides of Kalibo and Numancia section of Aklan river is P1.6 billion." However, the released budget is only P100 million, Engr. Cabigas bewailed.

Issues and concerns are on need of local LGU’s to develop their individual initiatives to solve domestic problems, pointed out Atty. Allen S. Quimpo. "Libacao is an eye opener that with common sense and simple faith, mountains can be literally moved".

Getting less than one percent of what is urgently needed can be disheartening and frustrating. Whether this is a test of patience or resourcefulness is one thing but our leaders in Congress and Malacañang utterly failed to give due consideration to the enormity of the challenges poised by typhoon Frank.

The idea of a high speed ferry boat service between Kalibo (based at Aklan bridge) direct to Boracay may be plausible but on second thought impractical and dangerous during north-east moonson (Amihan) and inclement wether.

On hydropower, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo opened that Aklan may enter into contractual agreement with foreign investors under the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) scheme. Aside from Libacao, other potential sites are Timbaban (Madalag) and Ibajay rivers that could generate 60 MW of renewable energy.

Highway congestion is experienced for the past two weeks as two-thirds of flight schedules to Caticlan airport is diverted to Kalibo International Airport. This means additional passenger service vans and tourist buses using the Republic Nautical highway. Intimidating are 130 assorted vehicles per day disgorged from RORO vessels. Traffic safety demands that road shoulder of one meter on both sides of highway be cleared of all obstructions including palay/copra drying. Warning and informational signages must be posted before the Ibajay bridges and at Tulingon mountain range for falling stones, rocks, and boulders that occur even without heavy rainfall.

A weighbridge is suggested to ban overloaded freight/cargo trucks in view of premature deterioration on road and bridges’ structural foundation.

It is observed that even if trucks are not overloaded, our present highways easily crack, and develop potholes in just three years after completion. Is it due to shoddy workmanship? Apparently their service lifespan coincides with the tenure of office of elected officials. Is it possible to develop a road network that can last a person’s lifetime without any significant wear and tear?

Roxas Boulevard in Metro Manila was constructed during the early years of Amercian occupation. Yet, its 15 inch concrete infra remained solid and sounds without any repair after 70 years. The case holds true for Gabaldon type school buildings and Caticlan Airfield.

In Taytay, Palawan, there is a road building project managed by a Korean company. Ahead was road widening about 18 meters done by two bulldozers, one motorized road grader and one crawler truck backhoe. These are followed by dump trucks carrying gravel and other filling material. Deposited piles were spread by a road grader followed by a road roller.

Meanwhile, sturdy wire mesh reinforcement was laid by workers on one side of the lane hemmed in by moulding boards. Factory mixed concrete poured from two transit mixers. Box culverts (90 cm in diameter) were laid by a forklift at every 100 meters distance for drainage. Dilapidated wooden bridges give way to reinforced steel concrete structure.

Undoubtedly, highway construction must be built according to international standard. This has been done in Sarangani province where road is connected to Gen. Santos City International Airport. Boracay is an international tourist destination. At least Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have started with Kalibo International Airport and on stream is G.P. Ramos International Airport. Not too far behind can be an international highway linking Kalibo and Caticlan passing Tigayon, Kalibo to Carugdog, Lezo and thence Calangcang, Makato. DPWH has completed the plan three years ago. It only needs fund to construct. /MP