By Ric Obedencio | 12:44 PM January 21, 2024
Loboc Mayor Raymond Jala has strongly refuted the allegation that he questioned the multi-billion-peso flood control project at Loboc river banks implemented by the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH III).
“Wa jud mahitabo ni-question ‘ta sa project,” Mayor Jala told media interview.
(It didn’t happen we question the project).
The mayor’s statement was an angst reaction to Tagbilaran Baywatch who allegedly reported to the newspaper that he questioned the said project.
Jala admitted he had a talk with Tagbilaran Baywatch represented by lawyer Gertrude Biliran days prior to publication of what they had talked about.
But when the news came out it turned out that it was not the way he expected it, he said, prompting him to call for a press conference at his office.
He bared that no one of the seven barangays where the project traversed complained about the riprapping project.
In fact, he said, the officials of barangay Valladolid led by their chieftain Pedro Acuna came to his office and asked him when will be the project implementation start in their place as their barangay road is already at the riverbanks.
The mayor said that roads of barangays Ugpong and Canlasig have already collapsed due to the erosion of the riverbanks. These need attention and prevention so the barangay folks would not worry where to pass to the town proper.
Other barangays where the said project is being implemented include Agape, Gotozon, Jimilian, and Bagumbayan aside from the three mentioned earlier.
The mayor said that he welcomes the said project which cost some P1.2 billion when it was bid out, saying the project is to mainly prevent riverbanks from collapsing and mitigate erosion.
The mayor said he’s very much concerned on the safety of the barangay folks that’s why he welcomes the said project. In a visit of the areas in barangay Jmilian and bagumbayan riprapping is on-going.
‘No complaint’ – DPWH III
The DPWH III said it received no complaint from the people of Loboc, nor question, the implementation of the riprapping project along the Loboc riverbanks, famous for its river cruising venture that attracts visitors.
“Let it be known that this office (DPWH III) has neither received any formal complaint from the LGU Loboc or any of its constituents nor reports on the site of any concern regarding the on-going projects along the Loboc river,” its statement pointed out.
The clarification was issued after the Tagbilaran Baywatch allegedly caused or the source of the publication of news article that Loboc thru its mayor questions the project.
“It is necessary that a fair and impartial reporting be made. May both sides be given a chance t e heard before the piece if published,” DPWH lamented.
The DPWH III said that thru its planning and design section conducted consultation with the LGU Loboc annually, especially in the determination of priority programs, activity and projects (PAPs) for funding.
“The LGU has received additional support from the office in holding consultation meetings with the impacted communities,” it said.
On the plan for dredging of the river’s silt, DPWH said that the agency is considering it in response to Congresswoman Alexie B. Tutor’s request for funding of the dredging machine (amphibious excavator) acquisition.
(ricobedencio@yahoo. com)
