MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Philippines (PIA) — Several infrastructure projects in various locations in this province are due for bidding this month, according to District Engr. Carlos Veloso of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte Engineering District (DPWH-SLED).

In a recent meeting with local media at the DPWH function hall here last week, Veloso said P10.5 million of flood control projects in various parts of Southern Leyte are set to be bid out. This, along with some P25.7 million worth of road slippage repair projects in national highways to be bid out on November 15.

On November 10, repair or improvement of public markets in 18 towns and one city in the province will be up for bid, with funds for these projects coming from the pork barrel of Senator Francis Escudero.

Meanwhile, three out of 19 local government units (LGUs) in this province will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the DPWH regional office soonest, with the DPWH as the implementing government agency, said Veloso.

Veloso identified two of the towns indicating preference for assistance from Escudero as Saint Bernard and Bontoc.

The DPWH-SLED official said, meanwhile, that he will pursue efforts to secure P50 million from the national government so that the cross-country road concreting linking Maasin and Bontoc will be continued, so as to cut travel time from the Pacific and Sogod Bay area in reaching Maasin City.

He also said he will continue to lobby for funds for the seawall project from Brgy. Abgao to Brgy. Pasay in Maasin.