Army’s P17.26 Million KBP completed thru GEM USAID and GRP

Banaybanay, Davao Oriental – A total of five infrastructure projects worth P17.26 Million recommended thru Philippine Army’s “Kalayaan sa Barangay” Project (KBP) were turned over yesterday afternoon, April 18, 2012 at Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

The five Barangay Infrastructure Projects (BIPs) in Davao Oriental consists of Pintatagan Bridge (PhP2.9 M), Puntalinao Water System Expansion (PhP2.8 M), San Vicente Water System Expansion (PhP 2.8 M), Sitio Buhangin Footbridge (PhP5 M), and Mapagba Boatlanding. The organizers pushed the inauguration and turn-over of P3.76 Million worth of BIP - Mapagba Boatlanding despite heavy rain showers yesterday.

The BIPs aim to accelerate economic growth in Mindanao and ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the said economic growth.  Furthermore, Growth Equity for Mindanao (GEM) USAID supports the project on which the benefits are equitably distributed and to help bring about and consolidate peace in Mindanao.

The turnover of the Boatlanding was graced by Davao Oriental Vice-Governor Mayo Almario, Councilors from Banaybanay and representatives from GEM, USAID. The Mapagba Boatlanding located at Brgy. Maputi, Banaybanay is the fifth Project completed in Davao Oriental funded by GEM, USAID, with counterparts from Offices of the Provincial, Congresswoman of District 2-Davao Oriental and Banaybanay Municipality.

Hon. Diosdado Satera, Brgy. Captain of Maputi, expressed his gratitude to GEM-USAID, the LGU and Office of the Congresswoman for the funds and to 28th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, led by Lt. Col. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., who lobbied the project to the LGUs for the GRP counterpart. “This is an opportunity to promote Davao Oriental having the boatlanding in this Barangay.  With your help, we will be able to develop this area and provide opportunity to my kababayan to improve their economic condition,” Satera said.

According to Satera, the barangay will develop the boatlanding into one of the top tourist spots in Davao Oriental which is a good access to the Banaybanay’s Burias, the Vanishing Island.  (10th ID PA)