Secretary's Corner
HON.
HERMOGENES EDEJER EBDANE, JR.
Statement:
NRIMP 2 JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE
14 May 2008
The Department
of Public Works and Highways is heartened by the positive
developments in relation to NRIMP2.
Let me answer the three main questions that pertain to the DPWH and
NRIMP2.
First, How Did We Get Here, after the November 2007 decision to
defer discussions on NRIMP2?
The challenge that we faced six months ago required us to stay the
course as we pursued the fulfilment of this project together with
the Team from the World Bank. By sustaining the communication and
interaction with the funding partner and tackling the issues
directly, we have been able to bring about the continuation of this
much-needed project.
As the implementing agency, it was our responsibility to address the
areas of concern and enable the proper appreciation of steps taken
as well as results already achieved in the anti-corruption and
transparency agenda.
The test of our resolve was two-fold: the first was to pursue the
continuation of the project, and the second was to sustain the
actions within the Department in relation to the concerns on graft
and corruption, despite the temporary glitch that occurred in
November 2007. Our resolve was rock solid, and today we are happy
to be receiving the good news on NRIMP2.
Second, What kind of work is involved under NRIMP2?
Now, our challenge is to implement Phase 2 of the National Roads
Improvement which involves different components.
One component focuses on National Road Improvement of 450 km of
national arterial roads and related bridges, including the upgrading
of 146 km and rehabilitation of 304 km.
Another aspect tackles Road Asset Preservation with the
institutionalization of a road maintenance program through long-term
performance-based contracts and preventive, routine and emergency
maintenance.
We also have another on Institutional and Capacity-development,
enabling the upgrade and modernization of the processes and
operations of the DPWH, and targetting improved organizational
effectiveness and integrity of public road management in services of
the DPWH.
Also included are moves for Strategic Sector
Reform, focusing on strengthening the operations of the Road Fund
and the framework for subsequent sector restructuring.
And Third, How is the DPWH handling the perception issues on
corruption?
The imperative for the DPWH is to sustain our reform program and
further institutionalize the efforts to upgrade the professionalism
standards in the Department.
Since we have shown to the World Bank that we have the capability
and the determination to sustain these reforms, we are duty-bound to
widen the scope and range of areas which in turn will secure for the
Department even better anti-corruption measures for transparency and
accountability.
The comprehensive range of anti-corruption measures jointly
developed by the Philippine Government and the World Bank include
the independent procurement assessment and technical audit mechanism
as financed by a grant from AusAid to strengthen transparency in the
bidding process.
Furthermore, there are enhanced processes for procurement, financial
management, internal controls and audits of the road management
agencies, among which we have a new and innovative coalition of
citizen and road user groups called Bantay Lansangan or Road Watch
We are even more committed to seeing the full completion of NRIMP 2
as it reflects not only the fruits of our labor on the ground but
also the results of the sustained program of the DPWH to address the
concerns of the private sector on doing business with the
Department.
The concrete steps we have taken and the institutional safeguards
contained within NRIMP 2’s corporate effectiveness component are
solid proof of our collective determination to improve efficiency
and professionalism in all aspects of our work.
Pushing through with NRIMP 2 ensures that the work we have started
will continue to its full fruition, and manifests how much can be
done if we work together to achieve our common goal.
|
