PGLDN, DPWH CONDUCTS PBB PROJECT - MMT ORIENTATION MEETING & MOA SIGNING

Together with various representatives of Namkwang Kukdong Gumgwang JV and Project Management Consultants, the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) conducts a Multi-Partite Management Team (MMT) Orientation Meeting with the key officials of the province led by Governor Imelda 'Angging' Quibranza Dimaporo and Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo of the 2nd District. 

During the meeting, Mr. OJin Kwon, the Construction Team Manager of NKG-JV, presented an overview and update on the civil works of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project. The NKG-JV announced that for the planned 40 EA Board filing works scheduled for 2021, there are 28 EA wholly installed at the site as of October. For the substructure, there are still 12 EA (column) that need to be accomplished basing their project construction plan for 2021. 

Several Environmental Activities and the amended Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) conditions were also discussed in the meeting by Mr. Marlo Japsvon Rico, the Pollution Control Officer of NKG-JV, to address various concerns of the residents and LGUs, particularly along with the coastal areas. 

In her message, Governor Angging emphasized the importance of this undertaking to address and protect the Panguil Bay itself. 

"This should have been finished before the construction of the bridge, but it is not too late. We still have a lot to do to protect the marine life and recapture the beauty of the Panguil Bay ", Governor Angging said. 

Additionally, Cong. Abdullah appeals for the constant support of the DPWH for the continuous development of the project. The Panguil Bay Project is a 3.7km-long-two-lane bridge that will supposedly be completed before 2023; due to some setbacks, the construction of the bridge has been delayed. 

A Memorandum of Agreement between the DPWH and other concerned offices and sectoral groups was signed to create a Multi-Partite Monitoring Team, Environmental monitoring fund, and the Environmental Guarantee fund. The MMT will be comprised of the DPWH, LGUs (PGLDN, Municipal & Barangay), NGOs (concerned Fishelfolks Association, Women's Association & MSU-MSAT), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). MMT aims to monitor the project compliance and other measures about the development of the PBB project. 

The conference and MOA signing were personally attended and witnessed by Director Reynaldo S. Digamo of the DENR-EMB Region 10 and the Project Manager III of the DPWH, Ms. Teresita Bauzon. 

Governor Angging assured to unceasingly support the DPWH and the Korean Contractors to see to it that the development of the PBB project will go smoothly as it carries out its construction duration in 2023. The entire province is already excited that this will not only shorten the travel time to Tangub City, Misamis Oriental, but this will also open doors for further development, bridging diverse cultures and traditions for a better future for the whole Zamboanga Peninsula. PIO-LDN