For public safety: Uy asserts infra security in Oro

THE three-billion Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan River (FRIMP-CDOR) has been officially inaugurated today in a ceremony attended by local officials and representatives from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The turnover of the project, which was funded by JICA, aims to mitigate the risks of floods in Cagayan de Oro by providing a thoroughfare along the Cagayan River.

“Today, we mark the turnover of Package 2 of this project, which covers the construction of a 3.2-kilometer river wall, a 1.6-kilometer access road, a bridge, and the installation of a drainage system,” said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy, adding that this package alone costs around P3 billion.

“We are grateful for the support of the Japanese government in making this project possible,” Uy said.

In his speech, the mayor expressed his admiration for the project and its potential to protect the people of Cagayan de Oro from the devastating effects of floods.

“I stand before you in awe over this wonderful project which would protect this side of the city from flooding,” he said.

“This project does not only provide the city yet another thoroughfare, but a boulevard that exposes the beauty and charm of the Cagayan River.”

The FRIMP-CDOR project, according to Uy, is also expected to have a healing effect on the trauma caused by past floods in the area.

“This beautiful project may have a healing effect on the trauma, and help assuage the sufferings of the people who survived Sendong and succeeding floods,” added the mayor.

During the inauguration ceremony, other local officials who were also present were DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan, 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez including officials from JICA, expressed their gratitude to the people of Cagayan de Oro for their hospitality and cooperation throughout the project’s implementation.

“Let me express profound gratitude for the people of Japan whose taxes went to fund this project through the JICA. Salamat kaayo. Arigato Gozaimasu,” said Uy.

The completion of the FRIMP-CDOR project according to Uy is a significant milestone for Cagayan de Oro and its people.

He added the project is expected to provide a safer and more secure future for the city and its residents.

Uy urged Sec. Bonoan to expedite the release of the remaining budget for package 3 of the project in Barangay Macasandig.

“Before finally accepting this project, Secretary Bonoan… Pwedi ba manghangyo ug makapadayag sa kagustohan sa akong constituents… as the representative, the voice of every Cagayanon, may I humbly request that the release of the remaining budget for package 3 of FRIMP-CDOR in Barangay Macasandig be expedited,” Uy said.

The mayor emphasized that completing the dike in that area is crucial to the safety of the barangay and the adjoining areas.

“Until then, when the dike is finished in that part of the city will our people in that barangay and adjoining areas become safe from floods,” he added.

With the FRIMP-CDOR project that mitigates the risks of floods in the city, Uy has been a strong advocate for the project since its inception. He believes that the completion of the project will not only ensure the safety of his constituents and boost the city’s economy.

“We are grateful for the support of the Japanese government in making this project possible,” Uy said.

The mayor also thanks the efforts of the regional public works and Highways department (DPWH-10) and all the workers who have dedicated their time and skills to complete the project.

According to Uy, the completion of Package 2 is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the development of our city.

“As we turn over this project to the city, our work does not end here. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the project and ensure that it serves its purpose of protecting our people from flooding,” said Uy adding that they will also work towards the completion of the remaining packages of the FRIMP-CDOR project, which will further improve the flood management system in the city.

Also, Several dignitaries, including Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa of the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines and Takema Sakamoto, chief representative to the Philippines of JICA attended the ceremony.

“To safeguard the people and ensure economic growth, we have invested in this FRIMP-CDOR project,” said Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhimo Koshikawa, adding that the project will also protect the people from floods, while the package 2 projects according to Rodriguez could contribute to the city’s climate resilience.

Meanwhile, moments after the two officials attended the turnover ceremony of the P3 billion package 2 of the Flood Risk Management Project Uy announced political unification with Rodriguez.

In a surprise announcement made over his radio program ‘Inyong Alagad,’ Mayor Uy declared the unification, which could have significant implications for the upcoming local and national elections.