PBBM’s order to revive inspection of completed projects prior turnover hailed

By Keren Anne Bernadas

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Local chief executives in this province have praised President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s directive to revive the practice of requiring government agencies to seek formal acceptance of completed national government projects from local government units (LGUs).

Camarines Norte Acting Governor Joseph Ascutia welcomed the President’s order, which mandates national agencies to have local government officials inspect and acknowledge completed national government projects before they are handed over to LGUs.

Ascutia emphasized that LGUs should be consulted, as governors and mayors are well aware of the specific needs of their cities and municipalities.

Said he: “Pag nagkakaroon ng konsultasyon sa LGU, malalaman kung saan at kung kailangan talaga ang dapat ilagay ang proyekto. Mas priority ba natin ang flood-control o ibang infra tulad ng farm-to-market roads?”

Ascutia said he fully supported not only Marcos’ directive on LGU acceptance of projects but also the President’s creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

Acting Vice-Governor Dennis Riel echoed Ascutia’s statement of support for the Marcos’ order, saying that if there is coordination with the LGUs, “magkakaroon din kami ng kapangyarihan to monitor the projects.”

“Gusto din namin na quality ang proyekto at trabaho natin dahil mapapakinabangan ng mga kababayan natin kaya full support ako kay President Marcos sa adhikain niya na gusto niyang ma-involve ang LGUs sa lahat ng projects ng gobyerno,” he said.

Mayor Bong Palma of San Vicente believes public works projects should start with proposals at the lowest level of government.

“In that way, nagiging maayos at nagiging transparent ang implementation ng project. And if that happens, magkakaroon ng accountability. The more na mas maraming accountable persons, then it becomes more transparent,” Palma said.

He also mentioned that the President’s directive has inspired hope for his community.

“Grabe ang paniniwala ko na mayroong pag-asa sa Pilipinas. I am happy that he launched the independent commission and the members are incredible,” he said. (PIA5)