| Work Detail |
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to engage key stakeholders to ensure the effective completion of the detailed engineering design and construction phases for the Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas of Mindanao (RNDP-CAAM). DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, chairperson of the RNDP-CAAM Steering Committee, led a meeting on January 30, 2025 in Cotabato City that focused on discussions of anticipated challenges and updates on progress of the project, emphasizing its importance not only for improving transportation networks but also for its broader implications on peace-building and economic growth in Mindanao. RNDP-CAAM is a transformative project under implementation of DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster 1 (UPMO-RMC 1) involving the construction 80.97 kilometers of new national roads in four (4) sub-projects with a specific focus on enhancing connectivity between Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and neighboring regions. The project is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Loan Agreement PH-FP1 and is part of the national government’s larger effort to create a more integrated and prosperous Mindanao, promoting both infrastructure development, peace-building, and socio-economic opportunities for local communities. Formed through a DPWH Special Order 58 series of 2023 and tasked by Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to oversee the conduct of the overall work in accordance with the project design activities and implementation plan, the Steering Committee is composed of representatives from various national government agencies, BARMM Ministries and local government units, and with the support of JICA. Senior Undersecretary Sadain explained that the RNDP-CAAM is set to become one of the most significant infrastructure legacy of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration in Mindanao. “This project embodies the government’s commitment to not only improving physical infrastructure but also fostering an environment of peace, collaboration, and opportunity”, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain. Key participants of 4th Steering Committee Meeting held at the Conference Room of PICE Cotabato - Maguindanao Chapter Building, Cotabato City included: DPWH Roads Management Cluster 1 - Bilateral, UPMO Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista; BARMM Ministry of Public Works OIC Minister Danilo A. Ong; JICA Project Formulation Advisor Ms. Yoko Katakura; DPWH Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; DPWH Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) - BARMM OIC Project Director Eileen Diya; Dr. Jovito C. Santos from consulting firm CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. - Oriental Global Co. Ltd. (Joint Venture); Regional Director Joel Q. Mamon of the Office of Civil Defense - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; Brigadier General Nasser Lidasan, Chairperson of the Government of the Philippines Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH); Philippine Navy 1st Marine Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Zaldy Dionida; Mr. Omar Bayao of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - CCCH; DPWH RPMO Project Managers Reyderick M. Siozon and Herodin A. Edris; UPMO RMC 1 Engr. Neijam Langa; Bureau of Design Engr. Joary A. Cervantes; as well as representatives from the local governments of Sultan Kudarat, Parang, and Matanog. Additional attendees included key personnel from the BARMM Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local officials, and communities in addressing early concerns related to right of way acquisition and ensuring security and safety from lawless elements to safeguard the integrity of the project and protect its workers and assets from any disruptive forces. “As we embark on the civil works implementation this CY 2025 of the RNDP CAAM, I appeal to our local government units to lend their full support to the national government in this critical undertaking. This is truly a golden opportunity for peace and development in the region, and it is through our collective efforts that we can ensure its success”, added Senior Undersecretary Sadain. One (1) completed component of RNDP-CAAM is the 19.6-kilometer Marawi Transcentral Road, which was constructed under four (4) contract packages with a total cost of ?744.589 Million. Finished in 2024, the road improved connectivity to Marawi City which is a central hub in Lanao Del Sur and is highly significant to the recovery and rebuilding efforts following years of conflict. Meanwhile, actual civil works for the ?1.379 Billion Parang East Diversion Road or Sub-Project 8 are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025. The contract for the two (2)-lane, 7.07-kilometer road, which includes four (4) bridges in the municipality of Parang, was approved by Secretary Bonoan in December 2024. The project is now awaiting JICA’s concurrence and the issuance of the notice to proceed. Procurement for the civil works contractor is currently ongoing for the ?3 Billion Sub-Project 9, the 17.57-kilometer Manuangan-Parang Road, which includes two (2) bridges. This vital road project aims to improve the movement of goods and people, unlocking new economic opportunities for the communities in Parang, Sultan Mastura, and Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte, as well as Pigkawayan in North Cotabato. The bid submission took place on January 28, 2025, and is now under review and evaluation by the DPWH Pre-Qualification, Bids, and Awards Committee. Lastly, the detailed engineering design plans for Sub-Project 2, the 36.73-kilometer Parang-Balabagan Road with 16 bridges, are currently awaiting approval before moving to the procurement stage. With an estimated cost of ?6.898 Billion, the Parang-Balabagan Road will be implemented in four (4) contract packages. This key project will significantly enhance connectivity between the towns of Parang and Matanog in Maguindanao del Norte, as well as the municipalities of Kapatagan and Balabagan in Lanao del Sur. It will improve trade and mobility, benefiting local communities and supporting regional development. |
