BEGINNING this month to March 2019, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with assistance from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), are undertaking a survey to identify priority infrastructure projects for the new Bangsamoro region that could be funded by JICA. In a statement, the DPWH-ARMM said the JICA Bangsamoro Infrastructure Needs Survey will produce a map that pinpoints the locations for the projects and demonstrate inter-relationships between these infrastructures. A Comprehensive Infrastructure Needs Master Plan will also be drawn up. In a consultation meeting in early Dec. in Cotabato City, the DPWH-ARMM led by Regional Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha A. Loong presented their accomplishments in the past several years and identified needs “in terms of roads and bridges, ports and airports, electric and water supply, disaster preventions, educational facilities, primary schools, public health centers, and community centers.” Also discussed was the necessity for “sustainable electric and potable water supply in every corner of the Region,” particularly in areas that are not geographically connected to the main ARMM towns. Among the major infrastructure projects identified to spur economic growth were: Sulu Circumferential Road Master Plan; Tawi-Tawi Circumferential Road Master Plan; Tawi-Tawi Free Port and Malasa International Port; Polloc Port Master Plan; Polloc Coastal Road to traverse Sultan Mastura-Sultan Kudarat-Datu Odin Sinsuat; and flood control projects along the Rio Grande de Mindanao communities, among others.

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