The Department of Health in Region 7 on Thursday said the ball game is now in the hands of the Department of Public Works and Highways with regards to the P100 million budget allotted for the Central Block building inside the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital compound in this city.
DOH regional director Dr. Asuncion Anden revealed that in June this year, Secretary Enrique Ona directed that henceforth, resources for all projects that are yet to go through bidding processes, and engineering and architectural design shall be transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Following this development, the P100 million intended for the building was among those recommended for transfer to DPWH and management of the funds is now in Region 7 through a memorandum of agreement signed between Secretary Ona and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.
With the agreement, Dr. Anden said it is up to DPWH in region 7 to conduct the bidding in the region office or in Negros Oriental.
Earlier, Gov. Roel Degamo insisted the bidding be held in Negros Oriental to make sure it is conducted squarely and fairly.
The DOH regional director said billions of pesos were allotted for the health facility enhancement program since 2009 and that questions were raised for DOH to manage the projects because it has no mandate for the construction of buildings. (PNA)
