DPWH-ARMM cites reforms, budget support in infra gains

COTABATO CITY --- Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) underscored the gains in infrastructure development following instituted reforms in the agency as it marked its 24thanniversary last October 20 in rites held at its ground in the Office of the Regional Governor complex here. ARMM Public Works Secretary Emil Sadain also said the momentum in program implementation got a boost following budgetary support for the regional government in fiscal year 2013 by 50 percent.In 2014, he said the department has further sustained the reforms and infrastructures, attributing this to the increased budget at P5-B compared to the 2013’s P1.5-B.For 2015, the ARMM’s coffer will further get a boost when its proposed budget of P10.1-B was approved by Congress incorporated in the National Appropriations Act.The DPWH-national also poured in P2.9-B in the ARMM for national road projects in addition to the 2014 ARMM budget.Other than budget support, Sadain said the instituted reforms in the department contributed to the high performance in program implementation, cleansing the department bureaucracy from irregularities, hence, emerging as the highest performing agency in the autonomous region.Because of the feat, Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman lauded the DPWH-ARMM leadership for upholding the paradigm of reforms in the autonomous region. The department surpassed our expectations and had accelerated reforms and development in the ARMM,” Hataman said. This has been the only agency that hasn’t caused me the headache.”Hataman then urged the public works personnel to uphold the integrity in public service and continue to support the reforms while advocating support for the Bangsamoro transition. Salamat DPWH, patunay kayo ng reporma, simbolo kayo ng reporma, congratulations sa ating lahat (Thank you to the DPWH for being true and being a symbol in the reform, congratulations to all of us),” said Hataman.The department celebration capped with inter-district sports competition, talent search, and solidarity gathering. As anniversary bonus, each permanent employee will receive P15,000 while it will be P7,000 for job order and casual employees.(Bureau of Public Information)