RPMC XII inspects infrastructure projects in the University of Southern Mindanao

by Joseph Didius L. Clave, NEDA XII

Koronadal City, South Cotabato – Seven ongoing projects of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in the municipality of Kabacan, Cotabato Province were subjected to a special field inspection by the RPMC XII members on June 16, 2022. The field inspection was initiated upon the request of USM for RPMC XII’s assistance in the resolution of issues delaying completion of their projects, especially those implemented in CY 2018.

The projects inspected were the Institute of Middle East and Asian Studies (IMEAS) Building, Psychosocial Research and Psychological Testing Center, Criminology Building, Completion of Unfinished Auditorium, 3-Storey CBDEM Academic Building, Women’s Dormitory Building, and the Refurbishment of Administration Offices. The RPMC team headed by its Chairperson, NEDA Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, expressed her gratitude to the USM and to President Francisco Gil N. Garcia for the opportunity to see in actuality the projects that were supported and endorsed by the USM Board of Regents. The team raised the following observations on the projects visited; a) the need to observe good housekeeping in some of the projects; b) lacking handrails along the stairways and emergency exit stairs, c) uneven width of stairway, d) leaking pipes and plumbing works at the roofing, and d) lack of ventilation in some of the facilities. Good practices were also noted such as good quality works by certain contractors and the adoption of innovations in technology such as the use of steel frame structures, particularly in the Institute of Middle East and Asian Studies (IMEAS) Building.

Other issues raised during the inspection included construction works that were abandoned by the contractor, and differences in the determination of percentage accomplishments between the contractor and the end-user. During the post inspection meeting, the issues encountered were discussed and appropriate actions were recommended to the concerned entities. The contractor and end-user were also advised to reconcile the differences in the percentage accomplishments presented by conducting a joint site visit of the two parties to agree and resolve these matters.