THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to strengthen collaboration in infrastructure development across Mindanao.
The agreement was signed by DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain and MinDA secretary Leo Tereso Magno during the 1st Mindanao Infrastructure Summit last week.
The agreement sets the foundation for integrated planning, joint programming and streamlined project implementation, aligning both agencies’ efforts to ensure that critical infrastructure projects are completed on schedule.
The MOC also reflects a shared commitment to transparency, information sharing and active engagement with regional offices and local stakeholders to guarantee the timely delivery of infrastructure projects that will benefit the people of Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Sadain also led the presentation of flagship infrastructure projects that are transforming Mindanao’s connectivity and economic landscape.
He highlighted DPWH’s ongoing efforts to drive local economic growth, particularly in underserved and remote areas, by improving connectivity through roads and bridges and major flood control projects under the Build Better More program and part of the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
The projects include the Panguil Bay Bridge, Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan De Oro (CDO) River, Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Construction Project CDO-Malaybalay section in Northern Mindanao, Davao City Bypass Construction Project, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge and Davao River Bridge, among others.
In a related development, DPWH has completed two projects aimed at enhancing road safety and durability in the municipalities of Guimba and Zaragosa in Nueva Ecija.
With a combined cost of P192.02 million, the road repair and upgrading works implemented by DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office involved portions of Tarlac-Guimba Road in Barangay Banitan, Guimba, and Sta. Rosa-Tarlac Road in Barangay H. Romero, Poblacion, and Sto. Rosario, Zaragosa.
“Reflectorized thermoplastic markings were also applied to alert drivers to potential hazards, thereby aiming to reduce accidents and enhance overall safety,” DPWH Region 3 director Roseller Tolentino said in a statement.
The completion of the road projects in Guimba and Zaragosa, which were funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, has greatly benefited motorists by improving access to public transportation and reducing the risk of accidents for vehicles traveling between provinces.
