Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said that the DPWH and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Bicol Affairs (OPABA) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU), allowing the latter in reviewing infrastructure projects implemented within the six (6) provinces of Region 5.
No less than DPWH Senior Undersecretary for Regional Operations in Luzon Rafael C. Yabut representing Secretary Villar and OPABA Undersecretary Marvel C. Clavecilla officially signed the MOA which now gives OPABA the authority to conduct validation and review of projects implemented by DPWH Regional and District Engineering Office in Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.
The MOU signing held January 25, 2019 in Naga City was witnessed by DPWH 5 Regional Director Virgilio C. Eduarte and Asst. Regional Director Esmeraldo S. Sarmiento.
Based on the MOU, OPABA is allowed to attend DPWH bidding process and may recommend the termination of contract and blacklisting of contractors who violate provisions of their signed contracts.
“This MOU is our way of saying that DPWH is transparent on its day to day operations in project implementation,” said Secretary Villar.
“We are grateful to OPABA for its initiative to be in partner with us in achieving the goals and objectives of this present administration to give effective and efficient infrastructure facilities to the public,” added Secretary Villar.