MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is actively bolstering its capacity to oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of large-scale mountain tunnel projects, aligning with the pursuit of modern infrastructure development under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative.
In collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Embassy of Japan (EOJ) in the Philippines, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office, DPWH hosted the second workshop for technical and business cooperation on the construction and O&M of road tunnels.
This event, held on November 15, 2023, at Diamond Hotel Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, included a high-level meeting between officials from the Philippines and Japan.
Leading the discussions were DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, MLIT Assistant Vice-Minister Hasegawa Tomohiro, EOJ Economic Minister Nihei Daisuke, JICA Philippines Office Senior Representative Fukui Keisuke, DPWH Assistant Secretary Constante A. Llanes Jr., and Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) – Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral).
Expressing gratitude on behalf of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Sadain acknowledged Japan’s extensive support, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people. The workshop focused on the effective implementation of two Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build, Better, More” program.
The ongoing 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass Project, which includes a 2.3-kilometer twin-tube bi-lane road mountain tunnel, and the proposed 60-kilometer Dalton Pass East Alternative Road Project were highlighted.
These projects necessitate advanced road tunnel technology, safety measures, and sustainable practices, aspects generously shared by Japanese experts renowned for their expertise in tunneling technology.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized the importance of learning from Japanese professionals and stakeholders, who are at the forefront of construction and engineering advancements.
The workshop provided participants with practical insights into innovative tunnel construction, risk management, and advancements in tunnel maintenance technologies.
On the Philippine side, DPWH Assistant Secretary Llanes and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Service OIC-Director Pelita V. Galvez provided updates on strategic infrastructure investment projects aligned with the Philippine Development Plan.
The government’s goal is to address congestion, enhance regional connectivity, and attract investments through infrastructure development financed by local funds, Official Development Assistance, and the PPP scheme.
The event also served as a networking platform, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices between local Philippine toll operators and delegates from leading Japanese construction firms.
This engagement aimed to establish a foundation for potential joint ventures in the future, contributing to the overall advancement of infrastructure development in the Philippines.
(B. Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
