COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, January 30, 2014 (PIA) ----U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg visited the Municipality of Compostela today, January 24, 2014 to turn over the newly constructed Compostela Market Buildings and Trading Center to the Local Government Unit (LGU) through the provincial government.
Ambassador Goldberg also visited the newly rehabilitated Compostela Bridge.
These projects were constructed under the Typhoon Pablo Disaster Recovery Assistance Project of the USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao-3 (GEM-3) Program.
Attending the turn-over ceremony were representatives from the United States Government, H.E. Philip S. Goldberg-U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, and Sec. Luwalhati Antonino- MinDA Chairperson represented by Mr. Romeo Montenegro-Director for Investment Promotion & Public Affairs Office.
Gracing the occasion also were Governor Arturo T. Uy, Mayor Lima P. Bolo of Compostela, provincial and municipal officials, and GEM Program Deputy Chief Carlos C. Tan.
According to Mr. Tan, in response to the Typhoon Pablo disaster, USAID provided assistance for the reconstruction of municipal infrastructure projects and supported the revitalization of local economic activities. Designed to be more robust and sturdier than the normal design structures, these infrastructure projects are expected to withstand flooding and higher wind velocity, making them functional even during extreme weather conditions (also as evacuation facilities when necessary). In addition to promoting economic growth, these infrastructure facilities also demonstrate the continuing commitment of both the Philippine and U.S.
Government to fostering peace and development in Mindanao.
He added, USAID’s GEM Program constructed a Trading Center building in the public market to be used as a wholesale trading post or a “bagsakan” for agricultural products.
The design safety factors are higher than the current standards for the area were adopted to make the structures more robust. The building floor level was elevated about 0.7 m above the existing ground.
The Compostela Market Buildings acquired a construction cost of P3.9 Million or about US $90,700. While the Compostela Bridge Rehabilitation costed P2.9 Million or about US $67,400.
H.E. Philip S. Goldberg expressed how happy he is to be there during the ceremonial turn-over saying, “I am happy to be here…all faces are smiling. All I can say is ”Mabuhay tayong lahat.”
Governor Uy in his response said, “We are so happy and overwhelmed. It means so much to us. Thank you very much.”
The public market in Poblacion Compostela is the center of economic activity in the municipality. Various products from the barangay and nearby areas are regularly brought to the Poblacion for trading. (Rey M. Antibo, IDS Comval)
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