President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted the role of local chief executives in ensuring that big ticket infrastructure projects are implemented properly and free of corruption.

During his visit in Cagayan, President Marcos lauded the newly inaugurated Union Water Impounding Dam in Claveria municipality, and the almost completed Camalaniugan Bridge in Camalaniugan municipalities as showcases of properly executed government projects.

“Kaya dito sa Cagayan thank you – sa ating mga mayor, sa ating mga chief executives, nandito si Gov. (Edgar) Egay Aglipay,” the President said during the inspection of the Camalaniugan Bridge.

“Binabantayan nila nang mabuti itong malalaking project para hindi masabi na nagkaproblema, na-ghost project, na hindi natapos, iyong mga nakikita nating problema sa ibang project kung minsan,” added the President.

The President said these projects show what the government is capable of doing if public money is spent for the intended purpose.

“Kaya nakakatuwa na makita natin na kung ano ang tunay na kakayahan ng pamahalaan kung talagang lahat ng bawat – tiyakin na ang bawat sentimo ay mapunta sa tama,” President Marcos said.

While congratulating the local chief executives, the President also thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Secretary Vince Dizon for regularly monitoring the bridge project.

The President targets to open the 2.16-kilometer two-lane Camalaniugan Bridge this December, after commencing construction in May 2020.

Once opened, the Camalaniugan Bridge, considered as the longest cable-stayed bridge in Cagayan Valley (Region II), would reduce travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros municipalities from one hour to 20 minutes, benefitting 6,000 travelers a day. | PND