PBBM: Northern Mindanao at the forefront of gov't agenda for infrastructure dev't
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, May 16, that Northern Mindanao, especially Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), remains at the forefront of the government’s agenda for infrastructure advancement.
The Chief Executive highlighted transportation initiatives, such as the nearly P13-billion expansion of the Laguindingan Airport and the restoration of the CDO Coastal Road and CDO Diversion Road.
Marcos said the government is also fast-tracking the completion of the P700-million Cagayan de Oro Port Expansion Project. He added that the project will alleviate congestion at the port, accelerate the movement of goods, and bolster regional economic activity upon completion.
“The infrastructure programs in your city and region will continue uninterrupted, such as the construction of airports, roads, and other projects,” he said in a local dialect.
Marcos said that besides building airports, ports, and roads, the government will also construct the Trauma and Multi-Specialty Centers at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center. He added that they will see tangible steps here in how the government will improve the region’s transportation, health, and infrastructure.
He asserted that the government supports the region’s irrigation and flood control projects to address water shortage and flooding, particularly in Cagayan de Oro City.
Marcos discussed the launching of the Flood Risk Improvement and Management project aimed at addressing flooding on the Cagayan de Oro River. He said the initiative promises significant relief from flooding in the city mainly if backed by more irrigation and water projects.
The Chief Executive said the government negotiated with businessman Manuel Pangilinan’s Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. while working on a lasting solution to restore regular water supply in the city.
“Mr. Pangilinan agreed to our request and is willing to meet with your mayor to resolve this issue and provide the necessary water supply to over 60,000 residents in Cagayan de Oro City,” he said.
Marcos instructed the Local Water Utilities administration to study the possible management of the Cagayan de Oro Water District to quickly find a solution to the water supply situation in the area.