SP backs MOA with DAR, DPWH for bridge project

THE 19th City Council during its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted an ordinance authorizing Mayor Oscar Moreno to enter into and sign the Tulay Ng Pangulo Para sa Kaunlarang Pang-agraryo (TPKP) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Bridges Management Cluster-Unified Project Management Office (BMCUPMO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This covers the collaboration of the parties in the construction of Purok 7, Purok I-A Bridge with installation of a double lane structure in Barangay Tablon.

The project aims to improve access of local communities to rural development services and facilities and other related projects supportive of local capability development/improvement and of the agricultural modernization program.

Under the MOA, the DAR shall conduct site validation of the area consistent with the established site selection criteria. It shall also conduct regular inspection and supervise the LGU in the proper maintenance of the bridge after its completion, acceptance and turn-over to the LGU, among others.

The DPWH- BMC-UPMO shall coordinate with the DAR and LGU on the project implementation, before, during and after the bridge construction, and assist in the preparation of detailed Engineering Plans/ Estimates Program of Work and Implementation Plan of the Bridge submitted by the supplier. It shall also handle the delivery of the bridging materials, equipment and steel piles to the project site.

For its part, the city shall endeavor to address the relocation of the families, and the acquisition and payment of the road right-of-way affected by the project. It shall formally accept the completed bridge upon turnover by DPWH- BMC-UPMO and DAR, provide annual maintenance trust funds and upkeep the bridge, among others.

In his recommendation, Mayor Oscar Moreno said that the collaboration is very laudable since it provides the needed infrastructure to allow agrarian reform communities to bring their products to the market. He said this will also promote food productivity and other related activities in Barangay Tablon and its neighboring areas.