TABUK, Kalinga – The implementation of on-going projects initiated through the Office of the Congressman will push through despite recent recall of   projects funded through Special Allocation Release Order (SARO) during the Arroyo Administration.

This was announced  by Congressman Manuel S. Agyao of the Lone District of Kalinga explaining that said projects which are currently being implemented  were already obligated  thus they are not covered by the recall which was particularly directed for projects which are not yet implemented.

During a consultative meeting with department heads in the province, the congressman explained  that despite the order, members of the Lower House have recognized that though several of their projects may not be of great impact for the whole province, such projects  are  significant and vital especially in the barangay where they  are  considered as   “priority need.”

Meanwhile, Agyao  also  informed   that Congress has recently received new guidelines for the implementation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)    which is in line with the Aquino Administration’s  goal to significantly reduce public debt and the budget deficit by 10.8%.

He said that with this guideline the congress is expected to observe more responsible and prudent expenditure policies.

According to the Congressman, members of the congress have recognized that the guidelines may have a downside on the part of the barangays who have various priority projects that may fall to the “less importance” category such as multi-purpose pavements and other small infrastructure projects. 

Agyao, during his first term,  gave focused on funding major infrastructure projects, educational assistance and livelihood programs in the province targeting far flung barangays  providing them the opportunity to uplift their socio-economic situation. He said he will continue the implementation  of   various development  projects in the province.

 “My vision is to continue what I have started for Kalinga to pass from being one of the poorest provinces in the country,” he stressed. **ggdumallig/PIA-Kalinga