TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office of the Department of Public works and Highways confirmed that some P100 million was included in the agency’s annual budget for this year to fund the initial works for the conversion of an 18-kilometer stretch of the Chico river into an investment and business zone that will help propel the economic growth of the component city.
Engr. Ireneo S. Gallato, Lower Kalinga district engineer, said the allocated funds will be used for initial works while awaiting the final results of the feasibility study that was conducted by technical personnel of the DPWH central office on the planned conversion of the said area into a business zone.
“We will study what will be the priority projects to be funded by the available budget so that we will be able to align the projects with the identified priority projects along the river based on the results of the feasibility study that will be submitted by our personnel from the DPWH central office,” Gallato stressed.
Earlier, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar advised officials and employees of the Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office to prepare a detailed master development plan for the 18-kilometer stretch of the Chico river being eyed as an investment and business zone to accommodate an airport, recreational and tourism facilities. among other projects to help propel the economic growth of the city.
The DPWH Secretary, according to Engr. Gallato, underscored the fact to align all projects that will be implemented in the area with the prepared master development plan to ensure sustainability in the identification and implementation of desired development projects in the area.
The Kalinga district engineer explained the results of the detailed feasibility study will be the basis for the agency in requesting for future funding support for the projects proposals to achieve the overall objective of formulating a 5-year Chico River master development plan which could be frequently updated based on the prevailing conditions in the area.
Gallato expressed his gratitude to Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang for his unrelenting and uncompromising support to the realization of the proposed Chico River master development plan that will help in spurring the economic growth of the city which is being eyed as another center for growth and development in the region.
He commended the efforts of local officials for their efforts the proper zoning and land use in the different parts of the city to prevent problems that might affect the existing implementation of the proper zoning and land use in the different parts of the city.
Gallato disclosed the potential robust development in the city in the future because of the influx of prospective investors wanting to establish their respective businesses in the different parts of the city which is rapidly becoming a full-blown urban center.
By HENT