This refers to Fr. Jun Mercado’s article titled “Real score: Are Charter changes needed?” (Front Page, 7/20/14), wherein the Bangsamoro issues along with government programs/projects in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were discussed. In this regard, we wish to inform you that:
• The budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (capital outlays) significantly increased by 32 percent (P46.6 billion) from P144.3 billion in 2013 to P190.9 billion in 2014. It will further increase by 41 percent (P78.8 billion) from P190.9 billion in 2014 to P269.7 billion (proposed) in 2015. Excluding the interregional and nationwide projects, the total regional allocation for 2014 is P151.2 billion, of which an initial 25 percent or P37.6 billion is programmed for Mindanao. The allocation for Mindanao will further increase by 68 percent (P25.5 billion) from P37.6 billion in 2014 to P63.1 billion in 2015. Moreover, the annual allocation for the ARMM will increase by 60 percent (P1.94 billion) from P3.23 billion in 2014 to P5.17 billion in 2015.
• Since 2011, the DPWH has been implementing P11.98-billion worth of infrastructure projects in the ARMM. The P11.98 billion includes the Transition Investment Support Program-ARMM, amounting to P2.85 billion. Hereunder are some of the ongoing major
projects in the ARMM:
• Basilan Circumferential Road
• Lake Lanao Circumferential Road
• Cotabato East Diversion Road
—ROGELIO L. SINGSON, secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways