The Department of Public Works and Highways district engineers in Cebu Province and their regional director are fully supportive of the Province of Cebu's wish to work closely with national line agencies in the implementation of their programs and projects in the province.
This was their assurance to Gov. Gwen Garcia during a meeting at the Capitol on Monday, May 15 on the crafting of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Cebu Provincial Board Ordinance No. 2023-02.
“Maganda yung approach na ini-espouse ni Governor dahil holistic to at dapat properly coordinated nga yung mga projects namin sa baba, hindi yung magkaroon nga wastage ng pundo ng gobyerno na hindi properly done yung mga road projects,” DPWH regional director Ernesto Gregorio Jr. told Sugbo News.
The ordinance in question has gained national attention since it compels national line agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations to consult with the Capitol and gain its approval in the implementation of their programs and projects in the province.
Contrary to some beliefs in national government, the ordinance was not passed in response to the Capitol’s beef with the Bureau of Animal Industry regarding the handling of ASF threats in the province.
The governor clarified that the ordinance had been in the pipeline even before the ASF controversy broke out. In fact, the department that triggered its passage was the DPWH, especially in relation to the public clamor for answers on dilapidated road conditions in the south of Cebu and even in Mandaue City.
Each time, Gov. Garcia had to step in even if the projects were national government projects since she would be tagged by Cebuanos on social media, accusing the Capitol of inefficiency in the delivery of basic service.
“This is an example of us working together, not against each other,” Gov. Garcia told the DILG officials during the meeting.
Also present were DILG provincial director Ian Lucero and representative from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). | Ioannes P. Arong