THE Department of Finance (DOF) agreed to bankroll in part Catigbian’s proposal for a P10.2 M Municipal Health Center with a lying in capacity through its Local Government Finance Development (LOGOFIND) Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) facility.
The development elated local government officials led by Mayor Roberto Salinas, who needed to appeal for reconsideration on the extension of the LOGOFIND to get an active status and still be eligible for funding.
Earlier, Catigbian submitted the proposal to DOF through Usec. Roberto Tan of the MDFO for funding of a construction of Catigbian Main Rural Health Unit. But it came at a time when the LOGOFIND was on the tail end of its program implementation.
According to Mayor Salinas, the proposal they submitted includes construction of a 5-bed puericulture center with family planning center, chemical lab with laboratory equipments and supplies, dental clinic, minor surgical clinic with equipment and supplies as well as provision of additional medicines and supplies.
In his letter of appeal to the DOF, Salinas begged for program extension as the government has already spent around P800 thousand for the sub-project preparation. He hinted that a denial would seriously affect the morale of the people preparing the projects and Catigbianons who have been waiting and wanting for a better health service.
To the appeal, the MDFO management committee passed a resolution approving the Catigbian proposal for a 628.68 square meter 2-storey Infirmary Hospital Building with a perimeter fence and concrete pavement on a subproject basis.
The subproject follows a 35% loan, 50% grant and 15% equity to the tune of P10,247,436.00 an amount Salinas said could go higher with their equity now being based on current rates.
Not only seen as a potential means to increase the effective rendition of the LGUs health social services and empower its health workers, but also as revenue generation tool, the project proposal states.
In fact, Salinas showed a no objection letter from DOF telling him to go for the procurement of works via a competitive bidding as well as the corresponding standard bidding documents on the LOGOFIND project. The letter, dated July 4 was signed by Helena Habulan, LOGOFIND executive director. (rachiu/PIA)
