RPMC XII enjoins project implementers to include essential utilities in the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for building projects

by Annie C. Deputado, NEDA XII

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Regional Project Monitoring Committee XII enjoined all implementing agencies to integrate essential utilities such as transformer for power and water supply connection in the preparation of Detailed Engineering Designs (DED) for government projects. This was Committe’s call during its 2nd regular meeting on June 14, 2022 via videoconference. This recommendation is contained in RPMC Resolution No. 11, series of 2022 and was endorsed by the RDC XII during its second quarter meeting.

This resolution was triggered by the findings on two projects, the Philippine National Police Station 4 in General Santos City and Isolation Facility in Malungon, Sarangani that were visited on May 11-13, 2022.

Substantially completed PNP Police Station 4 in General Santos City

Construction of By-Pass and Diversion Roads Along Banga-Tupi-Malungon Road

Bridge II Bridge I

TESDA Regional Training Center in Alabel, Sarangani (Completed)

Substantially completed Isolation Facility in Malungon

Retrofitting/ Strengthening of the Lagundi Bridge Construction of MSU-GSC College of Medicine Library Building

These projects were substantially completed but cannot be fully utilized due to absence of transformer for the power supply and water connection from the source to the facility. The RPMC team observed that this is not an isolated case but a recurring issue found even in school building and other government building projects.

The Committee also deliberated on two projects faced with implementation issues such as the presence of electric posts within the construction limits of the project. These are the Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Road Slips, Slope Collapse and Landslide along certain sections of the Maitum-Lake Sebu Road which were being implemented by the DPWH Sarangani DEO and DPWH XII, respectively. Guidelines for the review and approval of Price Escalation due to Extra Ordinary Case as stipulated in Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations were also discussed during this meeting. This is because some local government units in the region are receiving requests for price escalation for on- going projects citing the sudden increase in the prices of construction materials brought about by high inflation rates.

Other projects monitored were the following ongoing projects: 1) Construction of By-Pass and Diversion Roads, along Banga-Tupi-Malungon Road, Parallel Bridge, Malungon Sarangani Bridge 1 Component, Sta. 88+997-Sta. 89+257; 2) Retrofitting/Strengthening of the Lagundi Bridge, 3) Construction of MSU-GSC College of Medicine Library Building, and 4) Construction of MSU GSC College of Medicine Laboratory Building, and (5) TESDA Regional Training Center in Alabel, Sarangani.

RD Akmad J. Usman of DBM XII presided over the meeting as the Co-Chairperson of the RPMC XII.