COA: Biliran implemented 94% of development projects lined up in 2023

THE Commission on Audit has commended the provincial government of Biliran for implementing and completing 45 out of 48 development projects listed in its 2023 Annual Investment under the 20 percent Development Fund.

Auditors said the province’s 94 percent implementation rate delivered the desired socio-economic development outcome for its constituents.

The projects, with a combined total cost of P170.65 million, included the P25 million flood control project for Mainit-Villa Vicente in Caibiran; the P25 million flood control project in Anas River, Naval; the P2.5 million seawall construction in Maripipi; and the construction of multi-purpose structures for evacuation facilities in other municipalities in the province.

Also on the list were the acquisition of a new ambulance, a dialysis machine, hospital expansion, and a shelter/resettlement project.

“The Audit Team conducted an ocular inspection on February 26 and 27, 2024 on the selected completed projects to verify their existence. All the selected developmental projects existed at their designated locations. This indicated that the management has, indeed, been striving hard to serve its constituents,” the audit team said.

However, it noted that one project, the slaughterhouse in Barangay Magbangon, although completed, remains unusable due to the lack of an accessible entryway.

“The project cannot be utilized currently due to the lack of a concrete right of way at the side or back of the building, rendering it inaccessible,” auditors pointed out.

The provincial government said it had secured the commitment of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Biliran Engineering Office that the road at the rear portion of the slaughterhouse project would be constructed.

“We commended the efforts made by the Management in the efficient and effective implementation of the identified priority development projects in CY 2023,” the COA said.