The Luzon A Project Support Office (PSO) monitored the physical progress of the implementation of the Rehabilitation of Balecbec-Basca Farm to Market Road (FMR) in Naguilian and Aringay, La Union on July 26, 2016.

The infrastructure subproject is the pilot subproject of the Province of La union and the Ilocos Region under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

At present, the Goldrich Construction and Trading who is the winning contractor for the subproject is constructing the field office that will serve as laboratory and progressing with earth works that involve clearing and the side cut process.

Luzon A PSO infrastructure specialist Engr. Dennis Flores, who spearheaded the monitoring, emphasized that quality is non-negotiable in infrastructure subprojects funded by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). He gave pointers on the safety in the on-going construction of the Field Office which is inside the perimeter of the Balecbec Elementary school; the observance of diligence in the submission of monthly reports; and the inspection and clearance of materials used in the implementation of the subproject.

Engr. Flores also recommended for the Provincial Government of La Union to opt funding for the shoring of the Balecbec Bridge which plays a crucial role in the transport of equipment and materials to the stretch of the Balecbec-Basca FMR.

The Balecbec Bridge is the package 2 of the pilot subproject of the Province of La Union. It provides access to Barangays Balecbec and Basca. It has a total capacity of 5 metric tons that is insufficient to carry the weight of the equipment and materials to be transported in the subproject site. However, there is yet to be a winning bidder for the Balecbec Bridge.

The Goldrich Construction and Trading is scheduled to submit the proposed variation order for the subproject on August 3, 2016. Meanwhile, the concreting of the pavement for the subproject is expected to start in November 2016. (Ilocos InfoACE)