THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) called on local government units (LGUs) in Lanao del Sur to support the construction of the multi-billion peso Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas of Mindanao (RNDP-CAAM).
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, chairperson of the RNDP-CAAM Steering Committee, made the call during the committee’s meeting in Cotabato City Thursday, according to the agency’s news release on Friday.
“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,” he said.
Sadain said a component of the RNDP-CAAM is Sub-Project 7 or a 19.6-km. Marawi City Ring Road, which was constructed under four contract packages with a total cost of P744.589 million.
Finished in 2024, he said, the road improved connectivity to Marawi City, a central hub in Lanao Del Sur, is highly significant to the recovery and rebuilding efforts following years of conflict.
He also reported that actual civil works for the P1.379-billion Parang East Diversion Road or Sub-Project 8 are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
The contract for the two-lane, 7.07-km. road, which includes four bridges in the municipality of Parang, was approved by Secretary Manuel Bonoan in December 2024.
The project is now awaiting the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) concurrence and the issuance of the notice to proceed.
“Procurement for the civil works contractor is currently ongoing for the P3 billion Sub-Project 9, the 17.57-km. Manuangan-Parang Road, which includes two 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 Jan. 28, 2025, and is now under review and evaluation by the DPWH Pre-Qualification, Bids, and Awards Committee,” Sadain said.
He added the detailed engineering design plans for Sub-Project 2, the 36.73-km. Parang-Balabagan Road with 16 bridges, are currently awaiting approval before moving to the procurement stage.
“With an estimated cost of PHP6.898 billion, the Parang-Balabagan Road will be implemented in four contract packages,” Sadain said.
“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.”
The RNDP-CAAM is a transformative project under implementation of DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster 1 (UPMO-RMC 1) involving the construction of 80.97 km. of new national roads in four 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 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.
Sadain added the RNDP-CAAM is set to become one of the most significant infrastructure legacies of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 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,” he said. (PNA)
