CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--“We must work together as a team to deliver more infrastructure for the welfare of the Filipino people by attaining the level of performance we can be proud of.”

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger G. Mercado said the department will be stepping up efforts to meaningfully, substantially, and sustainably contribute to the country’s socio economic recovery and development, during the DPWH Unified Directors’ Meeting, March 25, at the new Convention Center, here.

Hosted by DPWH-10 headed by Regional Director Zenaida T. Tan, this fifth meeting under the leadership of Mercado was attended by the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors, Project Directors, Service Directors, and Bureau Directors including District Engineers of northern Mindanao.

"As the first quarter draws to a close, let us look back at the gains, experiences and lessons and help the Philippines start with the rebound of the economy from the pandemic by pushing the implementation of a much needed infrastructure program," Mercado said.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss how the department can optimize its currently available resources.

“Let us continue to be mindful of our mandate by continually improving the absorptive capacity or financial accomplishments so that the budget allotted for infrastructure projects will be delivered to completion at the right time with the right quality,” Mercado added.

Although Mercado acknowledged the major challenges brought by limited available funds in the 2022 budget for highway maintenance, right of way payment, and counterpart fund to support foreign-assisted flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build Program, the DPWH management continues to look for funds from other sources within the General Appropriations Act specifically from the Special Support Fund to augment the requirements.

Mercado recently approved the release of P1.6 Billion to augment funds needed to pursue the maintenance of Philippine national highways.

"As we move forward, let us strengthen the bond that unites us one DPWH family as our action today will change the future," Mercado urged. (DPWH/PIA-10)

The Department of Public Works and Highways held their Unified Directors’ Meeting, March 25, at the new Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City to discuss ways on stepping up efforts to meaningfully, substantially, and sustainably contribute to the country’s socio economic recovery and development. (DPWH)