P362.1 million Bauko infra projs endorsed to OPAPP

To boost trade, lessen insurgency 

BAUKO, Mountain Province -- The Cordillera Regional Development Council passed a resolution endorsing the Bauko municipal government’s infrastructure projects amounting to more than P362.1 million to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Payapa at masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) for fund support to boost infrastructure development in the fourth-class town.

In Baguio City, the  RDC-CAR chaired by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan took note of the action of the RDC-CAR infrastructure development committee in its recent meeting that recommended endorsement for Bauko’s proposed infrastructure projects funding assistance under the OPAPP.

Earlier, Bauko Mayor Abraham B. Akilit requested the RDC-CAR for an endorsement for their proposed infrastructure projects to complete roads linking the town to other localities in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions.

The region’s policy-making body claimed that Bauko remains threatened by rebel groups in its remote barangays and difficult to reach areas and the use of undeveloped roads as their passing routes to escape from pursuing government forces and the same could eventually classify the municipality as a conflict vulnerable area and may be qualified for OPAPP-PAMANA support.

Akilit said projects seek would address root causes of insurgency and bring lasting peace in the municipality that will boost growth and development through increased economic activities and sources of livelihood of the people. Among the local government’s proposed infrastructure projects for funding include rehabilitation of Lao-ingan Adugan farm to market road – P8.45 million; rehabilitation and improvement of Balbalan Kwabeng farm to market road – P40 million; improvement of Bagnen Oriente-Gutang-Tap-eo via market farm to market road – P170 million; construction and improvement of Bagnen Oriente via Suga farm to market road – P75.7 million and improvement of Pasbol Tiking Manyedyed farm to market road – P11.5 million.

In terms of agriculture tramline system, the requested projects fur funding are the construction of Pasbol agriculture tramline system – P3.3 million, construction of Tawadan agriculture tramline system – P3.3 million and construction of Beas agriculture tramline system – P3.3 million.

 Bauko also requested funding of improvement of Cotcot pathways and drainages – P5.57 million; construction of Balballan water system – P4.8 million; construction of view deck of the Northern Luzon headwaters – P5 million and construction of sports training center – tourism school for living tradition P31 million.

Bauko is a 4th class town with potential economic growth with agriculture as the primary source of livelihood. It is also a tourist destination to the Layaan and Sadsadan burial caves, Mouth data view hill and Mount Bandilaan. – Dexter A. See