Millions worth of infrastructure projects almost completed—DPWH

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported the completion of infrastructure projects worth P121 million in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Negros Occidental.

DPWH Region 3 Central Luzon Director Roseller Tolentino identified the five infrastructure projects in the towns of Aliaga and Carranglan and the cities of San Jose and Munoz with a combined cost of P34.55 million.

A two-lane road measuring 555 meters was also completed in Aliaga, in Barangay Macabuod.

Tolentino said the local road projects were completed last May and around 200-500 road users, mostly farmers, have benefited from it.

The DPWH-3 also constructed one single-story school building each with four classrooms in Carrangalan Central School and Sto. Tomas Elementary School; and two single-story school buildings with two classrooms each in Pandalla Elementary School and San Andres Elementary School in the city of Munoz.

All school buildings have toilets, handwashing areas, corridors, gutters, and person with disability (PWD) ramps with handrails, according to the DPWH.

Meanwhile, coastal communities are now protected against strong waves and tides with the completion of a concrete seawall in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

DPWH Region 6-Westen Visayas Director Sanny Boy Oropel said  the P87 million project involved the construction of  an 835.5-lineal meter long, three-meter high concrete seawall designed to absorb and reflect wave energy which will prevent erosion and stabilize the coastline.

Oropel added that the  seawall assures  fisherfolk and residents living along the shorelines of Barangay Zone 1 that they are now safe from the threats of sudden tidal surges and raging waters.

The said all-weather protective structure  also serves as a  separator that can be utilized by fisherfolk as a docking area during high tides and typhoons.

Other construction works of the seawall project were a four-meter-wide reinforced concrete slab and a 0.5-meter-high mattress that will serve as wave deflectors.

In another development, the DPWH also reported the completion of road safety and riverbank protection projects in Davao De Oro and Camarines Sur with the combined amount of P170 million.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the DPWH spent P77.2 million for the installation of solar-powered streetlights with double-arm steel posts along the 6.03-kilometer portion of Daang Maharlika highway in Barangay Banlag in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

Bonoan added that the P93.1 million has been used for the construction of a flood control project along a portion of Pawili River in the low-lying barangay of Salvacion in Bula, Camarines Sur.

DPWH Regional Office 11 (Davao) Director Juby Cordon reported to Secretary Bonoan that the off-carriageway improvement project aimed to address road safety concerns along a portion of Daang Maharlika.

As added road safety features, the project also covered the installation of additional warning and regulatory signs, hazard markers, delineators, tubular markers, pavement stud markers, and installation of reflectorized traffic paint pavement markings and thermoplastic pavement markings.

“The increased road visibility due to the newly installed street lights reduces risks of accidents and improves the overall efficiency of our roadways, benefiting road user during night time and adverse weather conditions,” Cordon said.

On the other hand, DPWH Region 5 (Bicol) Director Virgilio Eduarte said constructed along a low-lying portion of Pawili River is a riverbank structure spanning 323 meters and incorporated with two berms, with a combined height of 6.72 meters. The project also includes railings stairs, and lamp posts for safety and accessibility.

Eduarte said the completed flood control is a continuing project that aims to prevent flooding due to the overflow of Pawili River.

Last year, the DPWH Camarines Sur 5th District Engineering Office (DEO) also built bank protection structures along four other sections of Pawili River in Barangay Fabric, St. Domingo, Salvacion, and San Roque with a combined cost of P289.29 million.

The DPWH Camarines Sur 5th DEO is also working on another P96.5 million extension of the riverbank protection in Barangay Fabrica which is now 91.84 percent completed/

In a related development, the DPWH in Soccksargen Region (DPWH-12) announced last week the completion of a P88 million riverbank protection and flood control project in Barangay Badiangon, Palimbag town.

DPWH Region 12 Director Basir Ibrahim, in his report to the main office, said the project’s completion would bring relief to the village’s residents, who have long been affected by the increasing river currents during the rainy season.

“The damage caused by the river’s increased flow has not only impacted the properties and livelihoods of the residents but has also posed a significant threat to their safety,” Ibrahim said.

The flood control infrastructure, which started last year, spans 880 meters and includes essential components such as earthwork, clearing and grubbing, excavation, and subbase and base course installation. The project also features the development of drainage systems and slope protection structures, including concrete slope protection, sheet piles, pipe culverts, and stone masonry.

Ibrahim reported that the project which was funded under the General Appropriations Act of FY 2023, addresses the urgent need for river embankment protection and flood prevention in Barangay Badiongan.

In South Cotabato, meanwhile, the 1st District Engineering Office also announced the completion of a multipurpose building project in Barangay Upper Labay, General Santos City.

The recipient village is known for its rich cultural heritage and history dating back to its founding as a small community in 1972, and has undergone significant growth and transformation through the years.

“Completing the modern building, funded under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) with a P5-million allocation for fiscal year 2023, represents a significant milestone for the community,” according to the statement of the South Cotabato 1st DEO.

The two-story building features three office spaces, comfort rooms, and a well-appointed conference room.  Notable aspects include energy-efficient air conditioning, cabinetry, durable tilling, and lighting fixtures ensuring a conducive environment for various community activities and functions. Jinky Jorgio