First District Representative Edgar Chatto met with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in a regular coordination meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, a report says.
Chatto met with DPWH teams led by First District Engr. Godofredo Laga and Officer-in-Charge Asst. District Engr. Fernando Talagsa at the DPWH office for updates on infrastructure projects that are currently ongoing across the district.
The reporting of accomplishments in various projects currently implemented is done to ensure their timely completion as well as to anticipate hitches and address the potential issues with the help of relevant agencies and local government units (LGUs).
Among major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the DPWH is the construction of approaches both on the Totolan, Dauis and Tagbilaran City sides of the Panglao-Tagbilaran Offshore Connector Bridge Project or known as the 3rd bridge.
A team from the regional DPWH office reported that the ongoing P500 million interchange approach construction in Totolan side is now 79.80% complete.
Meanwhile, the P200 million phase 2 approach in the Tagbilaran City side of the 3rd bridge is 79.96% complete.
The construction of the main connector bridge is being funded by the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) with a budget pegged at P4 billion.
In a text message, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Usec. Jon Uy told Chatto that the NEDA– Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) Secretariat validated DPWH’s compliance, which was submitted to the ICC-Technical Board, based on accomplishments as of end of Sept. 30, 2021.
Initiated by Chatto when he was governor, the 3rd bridge project is aimed at easing the possible traffic congestion at existing causeway and bridge connecting Panglao Island to mainland Bohol. The 3rd bridge is eyed as an alternative route to the Bohol Panglao International Airport.
DPWH engineers also updated the solon about the construction of the Abatan Bridge, as well as multi-purpose buildings, and other road and flood control projects in the 1st district.
Chatto assured the DPWH of his support especially in the coordination aspect to ensure efficient implementation of the projects.