DPWH To Avert Tambak Seawall Destruction

by RICHIE D. OLOROSO

Taking a cue from the Resolution of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral of Planning and PPP has directed the agency’s Project Director for PMO-Flood Control and SABO Engineering Center (FCSEC) to look into and determine the best solution that will avert the destruction of the seawall along Jaime Cardinal L. Sin National Road at Brgy. Tambak, New Washington, Aklan.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson also informed DPWH Regional Director for Region VI Evelyn T. Barroso that the amount of P27 million for the rehabilitation of the said seawall has been released by the DPWH through SARO No. BMB-A-11-0017680 dated August 8, 2011.

During its 20th Regular Session on June 22, 2011, SP member Raymar A. Rebaldo sponsored Resolution No. 2011-142 requesting Secretary Singson to allow DPWH to conduct scientific and comprehensive study to determine the best solution that will avert the destruction of the said seawall and cause the early release of funds therefore for its initial rehabilitation.

In said resolution, Rebaldo emphasized that aside from serving as the vital link to the two major seaports in New Washington town to Kalibo, the destruction of the seawall will spell also a halt to economic activities in the area. The Jaime Cardinal L. Sin national highway is considered as Aklan’s version of Manila’s Roxas Boulevard.

Aklan SP Supports Move Against Creation
of New Provinces

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan strongly supports the Province of Camarines Sur in its fight against the creation of new provinces. Aklan SP also supports the advocacy of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) against the creation of new provinces.

The LVGP vigorously opposes the proposed creation of Nueva Camarines Province in the Bicol Region. The League approved Resolution No. 003-2011 to make known its strong opposition against the creation of a new province.

The proposal to create the province of Nueva Camarines is embodied in House Bill 4820 in the House of Representatives Congress of the Philippines.

The Camarines Sur Sangguniang Panlalawigan through its Resolution No. 360, Series of 2011 strongly opposes the creation of a new province. The Senate through its Chairman, Committee on Local Government, Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is provided copies of the said resolution.

The Camarines Sur resolution likewise opposed the creation of another province in Mindanao. The proposed creation of the new province of Davao Occidental is embodied in House Bill No. 445, now pending in the Senate.

The Aklan SP supports both moves of the LVGP and the Province of Camarines Sur expressed through its Resolution No. 2011-244, passed and approved during its 32nd Regular Session on Sept. 28, 2011.

Pushed by SP Member Selwyn C. Ibarreta, the Aklan SP Resolution shared the sentiments of both the LVGP and Camarines Sur SP that creation of new provinces will deplete all the provinces’ share from Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the national government. /MP