COVID-19 slows Ilocos Norte’s multibillion infra projects

By Leilanie G. Adriano (Staff Reporter)

LAOAG CITY—Three colossal projects in the province of Ilocos Norte are taking their tool in view of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which delays the delivery of equipment and construction materials including skilled laborers sourced by contractors as far as Manila and Pampanga.

Assistant provincial engineer Lanie Daquioag confirmed this as she reported "there are some changes in the original plan and design."

Known as the “Big 3” projects, the provincial engineering office said the on-going construction of the Provincial Capitol expansion building, reconstruction of the Dap-ayan Food Park, and the full rehabilitation of the President Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, all in the city of Laoag is only about 10 percent completed.

Funded through a soft loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines during the last term of former governor and now senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee" R. Marcos, the provincial government has allocated more than PHP1 billion for the rehabilitation of Marcos Stadium while the construction of the Provincial Capitol expansion building and the reconstruction of Dap-ayan Food Park have an allocated amount of PHP640 million and PHP360 million, respectively.

These infra projects are parts of the “Metro Ilocos Norte” master plan, which is being carried out under the administration of the senator’s youngest son, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc.

"There is a slight delay in starting the project as we have to consider the relocation of public utilities such as power, communication and water system including several trees which need to be cut in lieu of the construction of the extension building of the Capitol,” said Ms. Daquioag.

Nonetheless, the Provincial Engineering Office assured that the contractors are doing their best to meet the time frame of the projects which is expected to be completed before the final term of Mr. Manotoc.

The construction works of the Capitol expansion building and rehabilitation of the Marcos Stadium are expected to be completed within 425 calendar days while the Dap-ayan Center is projected to be finished within 730 calendar days.

Based on the master plan, the Dap-ayan Center is expected to rise as the tallest government building in the province—an eight-story building with basements for parking and major rooms for offices, among others.

The expansion building of the Capitol will be built with the same height and design of the existing edifice.

On the other hand, the Marcos Stadium will be elevated one meter above the present road level, and all buildings, offices, and bleachers were already demolished.

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