The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII has started the implementation of the three public market/farmers market (Bagsakan Centers) projects funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Office of the Secretary.
DPWH XII Assistant Director Rosie C. Javate said these on-going projects include the completion of the Koronadal Public Market worth Php 30 million, and construction of the Sto. Niño and Tantangan Public Markets worth Php 7 million and Php 20 million, respectively, all in the province of South Cotabato.
DPWH XII started the construction of the projects last April 28 and expects to complete them within the second semester of the year.
Apart from the said projects, DILG is also funding the rehabilitation of the Bagsakan Centers in the Municipality Polomolok, South Cotabato, Municipalities of Magpet and President Roxas in the Province of Cotabato, and the reconstruction of the public cemetery in the Municipality of Malungon, Sarangani and Municipality of Tulunan, Cotabato worth Php 45 million in total. Overall, DILG allocated Php 102 million bagsakan center and public cemetery projects in Region XII funded under the project’s 2019 budget.
DPWH XII remains to be the Department’s implementing agency for the projects. Assistant Director Javate said these remaining projects are now under procurement and implementation will start soon.
DILG signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the DPWH in the implementation of the bagsakan centers and public cemetery projects in pursuance to the Special Provisions under the 2019 General Appropriations Act.
DPWH XII is set to provide DILG XII with the monthly physical and financial reports to monitor the projects’ progress. A Joint Committee and Inspectorate Team will also be created composed of competent staff from DPWH, Municipal Engineering Office, and DILG XII that will conduct regular inspection in the implementation of the projects.
DPWH shall turn over the completed projects to the LGUs concerned “which shall commit to shoulder the maintenance and repair costs”, the MOA states.
