In Cabrera case

P16-M water project in limbo due to SP inaction

A multi-million water supply project in the capital town is in danger of losing loan funds as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has yet to endorse the project as required by the Asian Development Bank.

Reliable sources at the provincial board say that the measure has yet to pass the committee level as the Committee on Infrastructure chaired by PBM Catalino Gabao, Jr. and the Committee on Appropriations headed by PBM Carlos Aguilar have yet to meet in joint session due to frequent absences of its chairmen and members.

Even if the said committees finally consider the resolution and endorse the same to the provincial board for approval, the current standoff between the faction loyal to Gov. Hector S. Sanchez and the so-called Verceles bloc led by Vice Gov. Alfred M. Aquino may yet derail its early discussion.

Under the terms of its approval by an inter-agency committee composed of representatives from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the P16.8-million project would have to be endorsed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Virac, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Regional Development Council.

According to its original timetable, the endorsements was to have been submitted to the LWUA Board of Trustees as early as August 2000, with the LWUA endorsing the same to ADB for the release of funds. Had the original schedule been followed, the project could have started last September or October.

As it happened, the Virac municipal council okayed the measure only last November and submitted the same to the provincial board where it has languished at the legislative cellar.

VIWAD general manager Engr. Virgilio T. Arcilla said that there is a possibility that, absent the required endorsement resolutions, the LWUA or ADB may instead allocate the funds for Virac to other Bicol towns h that have applied for a similar loan, most probably Matnog in Sorsogon.

The rehabilitation of water sources of the capital has become imperative due to the rapidly expanding residential areas as well as increasing population. About P10 million of the loan funds would go to the rehabilitation of the CSC deep well unit, the Cauayan slow-sand filter and the replacement of eroded and leaking transmission and distribution pipes from the Padurog and Sibanjan sources. The VIWAD's service area would also be expanded to include Bigaa, Danicop and Valencia.  

FULL HOUSE

The Virac Sports Center is shown packed with hundreds of boxing fans as they trooped to see Catanduanes amateurs battle simonpures from Camarines Sur as well as five professional fights during the recent Bakbakan sa Virac.

LINE UP?

Photo shows former Governor Severo C. Alcantara (2^nd from left) beside congressional aspirant NTC Commissioner Joseph A. Santiago during the Bakbakan sa Virac. Also at the venue were Virac Mayor Cito Alberto and San Miguel Mayor Jun Camano.

AMATEURS

One of the protagonists in the amateur feature gets entangled in the ropes while attempting to elude his opponent’s charge. 

THE CHAMP

WBC boxing champ Manny Pacquiao proved the has a following among the locals as he was mobbed by fans after the fight. Shown here beside the boxer is noted referee Ver Abainza and Mr. Romy Rodulfo.