BAGUIO CITY – Public  participation and support is needed  in monitoring Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects, ensuring   that  funds will go to the right projects and   with  infrastructure projects meeting the required quality, specification and guidelines.

DPWH Secretary  Rogelio  Singson stressed this  in his keynote address during the city’s 101^st chartered anniversary program held at the Convention Center last  September 1.

‘Ang hamon ko sa publiko, makilahok sa mga proyektong bayan ng DPWH. Gone are the days that the public are just always complaining and being bystanders. As President Benigno Aquino III is saying, kayo ang boss namin sa DPWH,” Secretary Singson said.

Singson stressed that P-Noy’s transformation mandate is very clear and translating the words ‘Kayo ang boss ko,’ means full transparency and accountability. With the participation of the public, especially the young, there will be a new DPWH, with reduced  corruption, no red tape and transparent public biddings and transactions.

‘It cannot be business as usual in the new and transformed DPWH,’ Singson stressed while  promising to make project information available to the public.           

Tourism is one of the major thrusts  of P-Noy  as it will boost local employment and revenues. Thus in developing tourism in Baguio city and the rest of Cordillera, Singson   asserted that there will be continuous improvement projects of inter-region roads and highways  that will connect the city and the rest of Cordillera to Cagayan and Region 1.

 During the same program, the city government of Baguio gave recognition to the members of the Baguio Centennial Commission headed by its  Chairman,  Dr. Virgilio Bautista and vice-chair,  Bishop Carlito Cenzon.

The Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) also awarded Outstanding Citizens  of Baguio namely  Karen Navarette- Anton for arts, culture, sports and arts; Lourdes Bello for business and community Service; Julian Chees for humanitarian service and Dr. Zoraida Clavio for professional and community service. **Lito Dar/PIA