THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT has submitted a list of companies bidding for the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project and the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said that China’s Ministry of Commerce recommended on Sept. 6 three contractors each for the two China-funded infrastructure projects.

For the Kaliwa Dam, Chinese companies recommended were China Energy Engineering Co. Ltd., PowerChina Ltd., and a consortium of Guangdong Foreign Construction Co. Ltd. and Guangdong Yuantian Engineering Co. Ltd.

Contractors shortlisted for the Chico River irrigation project are China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd., China Geo-Engineering Corp., and Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd.

Mr. Dominguez said that the bidding for the projects will only be limited to the Chinese firms, but local companies are eligible to be sub-contractors.

“Only the Chinese companies, because that is part of the loan agreement with them. But most likely they will sub-contract some of the projects,” Mr. Dominguez told reporters on Friday at the DoF headquarters in Manila.

“Our labor rules and regulations limit the number of foreigners that can work in these projects to highly technical and managerial (positions), so jobs will be created locally,” he added.

The loans are part of the $9-billion tied loans pledged during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s visit to the China in October.

Mr. Dominguez said that implementing agencies, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA), will conduct due diligence for the Kaliwa Dam, and the Chico irrigation project, respectively.

“Once the Chinese companies or contractors have been found to be qualified, legitimate and in good standing, NIA and MWSS will immediately commence the procurement process and undertake the limited competitive bidding among said Chinese companies and contractors following the approvals, rules and documents, under RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Law,” Mr. Dominguez said.

He said that the implementing agencies are currently organizing project management teams to make sure that the financing arrangements are done “expeditiously,” and that, “there are no delays” in undertaking the projects.

Both infrastructure projects were approved by the President in June.

The Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, which is expected to break ground this month, costs about P2.7 billion, while the Kaliwa Dam will cost P10.86 billion. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR