MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed 9,005 personnel and 2,048 units of heavy equipment to storm-affected regions, aiming to reopen critical roadways quickly in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Of the 93 national road sections disrupted by the storm, DPWH teams have already reopened 68 sections, with 25 remaining closed due to extensive flooding, landslides, rockfalls, and damaged bridges.

In specific regions:

Cordillera: Four sections are closed due to soil collapses, fallen trees, rockslides, and mudflow.

Cagayan Valley: Two sections remain inaccessible due to flooding.

Calabarzon: Five sections are closed, and seven others have limited access due to road and bridge collapses, mudslides, and flooding.

Mimaropa: One section is closed from a landslide.

Bicol: Twelve sections are closed due to flooding, landslides, and road collapses, while ten others have restricted access.

Central Visayas: One section is closed due to a road slip.

To ensure motorist safety, DPWH has placed warning signs along affected roads.

“Our teams are working around the clock to restore safe and accessible roadways, understanding that these are vital lifelines for communities impacted by the storm,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

He added, “By doing so, we aim to facilitate the efficient delivery of relief supplies, medical assistance, and other essential services to affected areas, supporting efforts to rebuild and recover from this crisis. Through a comprehensive response and rapid deployment of resources, DPWH aims to assist in the timely recovery of affected communities.”

In addition to road clearing, DPWH teams are also working to clear and declog drainage systems to mitigate further flooding risks.

ia/mnm

By Junex Doronio

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — In line with his advocacy for national unity, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has disclosed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is funding about P2.9 billion infrastructure projects in this city despite the fact that Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan is a staunch supporter of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who has turned arch critic of the Chief Executive.

As this developed, several residents told Maharlika NuMedia that they are calling on Ako Bisaya party-list Representative Sonny Lagon to challenge Chan in the 2025 mayoralty race.

“The government, for its part, will also continue to invest in its success, which is why in 2024, the Department of Public Works and Highways is funding about P2.9 billion in infrastructure projects here in Lapu-Lapu City alone,” Marcos Jr. said.

During the Capsule Laying Ceremony of the Mactan Expo Center at Mactan Newton, the President said the government will continue to invest in the success of Cebu.

Marcos Jr. made the promise on Saturday (27 April 2024) which marked the 503rd Commemoration of Lapu-Lapu’s victory against the Spanish invaders led by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan on the island of Mactan.

Some native historians claim that Lapu-Lapu was also known as Datu Pula, a Muslim imam (akin to a priest or pastor) and from the Tausog tribe who later died of old age in Camotes island after the Battle of Mactan that was the first historic triumph in Asia against foreign invasion.

(el Amigo/MNM)

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)