Officials and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 1 recently met with residents and local officials in Pangasinan to discuss plans on an ongoing road project that would connect San Manuel, Pangasinan to Itogon, Benguet Province.
Conducted last April 17, 2024, the stakeholders consultation event is in compliance to the directive of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, pursuant to the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s to conduct Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meetings nationwide to increase citizen participation in government functions.
DPWH Regional Office 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan said that the Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meeting was held in Barangay Lungao in San Nicolas town. The event, led by Regional Right-of-Way Acquisition and Legal Division (ROWALD) and Construction Division, gathered the project-affected individuals who were able to raise concerns on San Manuel-Itogon Road Project.
Also present during the forum were Tayug, Pangasinan Mayor Tyrone T. Agabas who represented Pangasinan 6th District Representative Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas; San Nicolas, Pangasinan Councilor Francisco O. Bravo; and the barangay council of Barangay Lungao headed by Barangay Captain Randy Rosendo.
To properly guide the residents, the DPWH Regional Office Team headed by Project Engineer Larry Angelo L. Flores and Atty. Harold P. Estacio discussed and answered some concerns which covered the project alignment and Right-of-Way Act requirements.
The DPWH team also assured that the feedbacks and proposals from the affected residents will be considered and conveyed to the Planning and Design Division, prior to the commencement of project in their area.
“This Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meeting held in Pangasinan is just one (1) of the many stakeholders consultation events underway in the Region, as we aim to showcase this current government’s sincere efforts in aligning people’s participation in nation building,” said Director Tan.