KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The Office of the Provincial Engineer (OPE) continues to advance infrastructure development initiatives in South Cotabato as part of the provincial government’s efforts to improve public services, strengthen facilities, and ensure the safety and welfare of its constituents.
Provincial Engineer Lloyd Esparagosa, CE, GE, provided updates on the ongoing preparations for the Plans and Programs of Works (POW) for the province’s proposed 2027 projects during the Monday Convocation Program hosted by the OPE.
Esparagosa said the office is continuously processing infrastructure projects as part of its efforts to increase the province’s utilization rate. The OPE likewise continues to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture in facilitating the agency’s support for infrastructure development initiatives in the province.
“We continue to work on the necessary preparations and processing of our infrastructure projects to ensure that these are implemented efficiently and that the resources available to the province are utilized to provide better services and facilities for our people,” Esparagosa said.
Among the projects being prepared is the proposed development to be funded through the ₱122-million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) from the Office of the President. The OPE is currently conducting surveys for the proposed projects to facilitate the necessary planning and implementation requirements.
Preparations are also underway for the construction of three hospitals in Koronadal City, the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, and Tantangan, which are expected to further strengthen access to healthcare services and improve health facilities for residents.
Meanwhile, the OPE is preparing for the development of the Rubberized Oval Track and Sports Complex in the First District of South Cotabato, which will provide an improved venue for sports activities and other community events.
Esparagosa also highlighted the continuing augmentation efforts of the OPE in support of the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (OPDRRMO). The arrival of additional heavy equipment from the OPDRRMO is expected to further enhance the province’s capacity for disaster response, clearing operations, and other emergency-related activities.
He likewise underscored the continuous operations of the OPE Maintenance Division, which regularly monitors and maintains existing provincial infrastructure to help ensure that public facilities remain functional, safe, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Through these initiatives, the OPE continues to support the provincial government’s commitment to efficient project implementation, improved public infrastructure, and safer and more accessible services for the people of South Cotabato.