By Henniequel Shayne Acobo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—Progress and transparency in infrastructure development in Barangay Nazareth were the main focus of the Bagong Pilipinas town hall meeting on July 4, where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in northern Mindanao presented updates on projects in the area.
The town hall was held in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda, which promotes transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.
Through initiatives like this, the administration seeks to strengthen public trust and ensure that communities are informed and involved in government programs.
DPWH Assistant Regional Director Sabeniano Caliao said the meeting also reflects the agency’s commitment to transparency and public participation. “Kini usab ang lakang nga padulong sa pamalaud nga bukas sa katawhan (This is also a step toward governance that is open to the people),” he said.
The Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Engineering Office reported ongoing construction of roads, drainage systems, and public buildings. It also addressed issues related to road right-of-way and property setbacks that have delayed some projects.
Engineer Jesse Peliño, chief of the Construction Section, outlined completed projects from 2023 to mid-2025. These include a multipurpose building with a daycare center, a Philippine National Police (PNP) office, rehabilitation of the ABAMIN Office, and a two-story, four-classroom building at South Central School.
In 2024, drainage and pathway works were completed in Pinikitan leading to Camaman-an. A total of 72 streetlights were also installed, and rehabilitation work was carried out at the Nazareth gymnasium.
Currently under construction are the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) office and repairs to the Lupon building, both located within the Nazareth Multipurpose Building. A road with a drainage system is also being built, though Phase 2 has been suspended due to unresolved right-of-way concerns.
Punong Barangay Regine Rodriguez explained that existing road setback rules are difficult to apply in older subdivisions. “Naa nay pipila ka sidewalks karun nga part pa sa ilang yuta, not just here but including the Poblacion area,” she said.
(Some of the sidewalks are still part of private properties, not just here but also in the Poblacion area.)
Rodriguez added that the Barangay Council is coordinating with the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) to address these concerns.
She also said a new road in Upper Nazareth is expected to open before the end of the year to help ease traffic in the area.
While project proposals for 2026 are in place, DPWH acknowledged that funding and land acquisition remain a challenge. The agency said it will continue to implement projects at the barangay level in coordination with the City Government and under the direction of the Bagong Pilipinas Program. (HSGA/PIA-10)
