Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has deplored that recurring issues persistently delay much-needed infrastructure projects funded by overseas development assistance (ODA), thereby hampering the national economic development.
“Timely execution of ODA projects not only addresses pressing developmental needs, but is also a commitment to responsible governance,” Gatchalian stressed.
“We are ensuring the proper use of the hard-earned money paid by taxpayers.” he added.
He noted that the delays upset the delivery of concrete and long -term infrastructures, health, and overall conditions and well, being of the people.
During the recently held Congressional Oversight Committee on the Official Development Assistance (COCODA) meeting, co- chaired by Gatchalian and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the senator noted that most recommendations to address delays in ODA project implementation involved loose coordination among implementing agencies.
“Looking at some of the recommendations by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), these issues on delays are within the control of the executive department and should be part of the day-to-day activities of the implementing agencies,” he lamented, citing the prolonged processing of government permits as an example that hounds some ODA projects.
Gatchalian also noted took that the nagging issue of right-of-way (ROW) is another reason for delays in completing certain ODA projects.
“It is disappointing that normal responsibilities cannot even be fulfilled. It is expected that you already know the law and the processes, and should not be the case anymore. This is expected of any implementing agency, how come these problems are recurring?” Gatchalian lamented, addressing implementing agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
According to the NEDA, as of December 2022, 48 active ODA-funded projects with reportedly either behind schedule, with incomplete output, or simply terminated.