BAGUIO CITY — The Cagayan 3rd District Engineering Office (DE0) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cagayan Valley (Region 2) stated on Friday, contradicting a recent claim made by Cagayan Provincial Governor Manuel Mamba regarding the cost of a one-story school building.

In a broadcast aired on the provincial information office’s Facebook page and a local radio station, Mamba stated that the total cost of a one-story, two-classroom building project at General Balao Elementary School in Solana, Cagayan, was P10 million. He compared this figure to his five-classroom school building project, which he claimed cost only P3.5 million.

Mamba criticized a provincial official over the issue of public fund usage and the honesty of public servants. He also challenged anyone to prove him wrong about the actual cost of the project.

In response, the Cagayan 3rd DEO of DPWH Region 2 clarified that the actual budget for the project was P5 million, funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2024.

Esmeralda O. de Guzman, officer-in-charge of the 3rd DEO, confirmed that the building, which includes two classrooms, a ramp for Persons with Disabilities accessibility, hand washing stations, toilets, and learning tools, was started on 13 June 2024, and completed on 24 October 2024. De Guzman emphasized the importance of providing accurate and reliable information regarding public funds and urged that any future references to the budget should accurately reflect the correct amount of P5 million.

“We encourage the public to verify information, cross-check resources, and consult proper authorities to avoid confusion,” the statement stressed.

“Recognizing the potential of SCRFAC, the DA has provided the cooperative with a cold storage facility for onions under the High-Value Crop Development Program, as well as a warehouse with a mechanical dryer under the Rice Program. These facilities will serve as postharvest storage for their rice and onion produce, ensuring better preservation, enhancing crop quality, and empowering farmers,” Secretary Tui Laurel said.

TTM will assist with post-harvest techniques and help farmers secure market linkages with suppliers to ensure stable demand and profitability.

Tiu Laurel highlighted that TTM’s business model aligns perfectly with the DA’s goals.

Taiwan’s approach to managing pests, typhoons, and flooding is exactly what the DA wants to foster, helping farmers diversify their crops and increase their income.

The secretary was accompanied by TECO Ambassasor Wallace Chow, FTI president and CEO Joseph Lo, Regional executive director Edgardo Lapuz Jr. and representatives of Tarlac Governor Susan Yap.