LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

BARIP retention funds rapped
MARCH L. FIANZA

I thought everything was moving smoothly with the final turn-over of the P1.9 billion Baguio-Aritao Road Improvement Project (BARIP) to beneficiary-communities about to be scheduled. Apparently, a new setback is looming in the horizon and has made some stakeholders worried.

According to news sources who requested that their names be withheld, the retention funds worth millions of pesos that are supposed to be collected by the labor sub-cons may not be released to them in full.

They said the bad news was that “only 50 per cent of what is due them is what they will be getting this year.” They ask “why?” From what they heard, the remaining 50 per cent will be released next year, if ever, but part of it will pay the taxes of the main contractor – an act which they described as condemnable.

It will be recalled that Cavdeal, the main contractor for BARIP hired dozens of labor contractors that made it easy to execute several project components. Aside from delayed releases of work payments, problems popped up during the peak of construction. One of it was the complaint of Rep. Dangwa that the road was constructed with a “narrower-than-standard” width.

During the earlier stages of the BARIP, then Bokod mayor Celino already cited the same observation, questioning the consultants why the “finished concrete road is narrower than the width of the previous gravel road.” That makes it dangerous for two buses or trucks that are running in opposite directions to collide.

A number of problems followed other problems but those are now “water under the diversion bridge.” Now, the labor sub-cons ask: “why not release in full the retention funds which they own and why should the sub-cons shoulder the taxes of Cavdeal?”
Apparently, one of the labor contractors raised the issue to Congressman Dangwa, who in turn told them that a congressional inquiry will be filed to look into the construction activities of Cavdeal. The matter will also be brought to the attention of Gov. Fongwan and the provincial board.

My concern: “Are these acts from hiring labor sub-cons in the locality to the act of shortchanging them by cutting in half the retention funds a modus operandi of Cavdeal in all their construction projects in the Philippines?”
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The invitational trip to Mindoro over the weekend was invigorating under a very warm reception that employees of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) showed their guests who came all the way from Baguio and Benguet.

At least 17 chairpersons of the Multi-Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC), successor of the defunct District Electrification Committee (DEC) or the Multi-sectoral Electrification Committee (MEC), and media representatives tasted Mindoro ’s impressive hospitality.

While Ormeco GM Romeo Cuasay, board directors Audel A. Arago and Rizalino Mendoza, MSEAC federation chair Roman “Bonjing” Arano and vice chair Agustin Mantaring and co-op workers took turns in entertaining their guests, we noticed the presence of strong ties among them. Sincerely, we appreciate Admin Lito Baculo, MSD head Talits Agila, Malu and all their staff – in the offices and kitchen.

Even as such close relationship is evident in the way the employees and top honchos casually mingle with each other, I personally assessed that such rapport is expected in a company whose elements “struggled together through the dark ages,” especially so that they are situated in an island. Geographically, that is not easy to copy for the ECs in the Cordillera.

As I took notice of their strong bonding, I said to myself – this is what is needed in Baguio and Benguet, Mountain Province as well as the rest of the ECs. Employees of Beneco should find time to visit other ECs in the country. Not only will such an activity open up avenues for an exchange in actual experiences… it further strengthens unity in the organization back home. Cuasay, Arago and Mendoza extend their greetings to GM Verzosa, Dir. Joey Marrero and the Beneco BOD.

Quoting part of GM Cuasay’s presentation, he said “employees must know their co-op” and learn about the EC’s strengths and weaknesses. On the issue about joining the Cooperative Development Agency, he said Ormeco does not want to be under CDA. He cited the fact that in 2006, the co-op was the beneficiary of a P20million grant from NEA for the repair of typhoon damages.

“Under the CDA, the co-op will have to borrow from the bank in order to repair typhoon damages. Of course, electric rates will go up in order to pay loan interests. His exact words were: “Kawawa ang mga member-consumers.”

In bringing down pilferage cases, Ormeco resorted to the “text mo, huli ko” scheme where tipsters were rewarded cell phone prepaid loads worth P500.00 for each apprehension following the report made through text messaging. This scheme can be copied by the other ECs, especially those who have high systems losses.

But not every part of “Lakbay Mindoro” was on the sunny side. On the way to Puerto Galera where natural mangroves breathed in coves, chairman Arano who voluntarily doubled as a tour guide told us that maintaining Mindoro ’s banana, coconut and fruit industry had to pay the price.

Sadly, the Kilyawan or Mindoro Oriole and other rare bird species were apparently driven away by the pesticides sprayed on fruit orchards owned by rich farm industrialists who cared nothing more than their investment. The wild Mindoro Tamaraw population is also vanishing due to urban expansion. – marchfianza777@yahoo.com