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Billboards found illegal and hazardous to the public were dismantled today by DPWH in compliance with Administrative Order Nos. 160 & 160-A of PGMA. Among those dismantled were billboard structures fronting SM San Lazaro, Manila and along EDSA approaching Guadalupe Bridge.

01/30/08

DPWH COMPLETES REPAIR OF TANGGOY ARCH CULVERT BRIDGE IN BATANGAS

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Aiming to immediately make the Balayan-Baliobago Road passable especially during the harvest time of sugar cane in different towns of Batangas, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported that the collapsed Tanggoy Arch Culvert Bridge is now passable to all types of vehicle. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. DPWH Region 4-A Director Bonifacio Seguit said that as of today (January 29, 2008) the Tanggoy Bridge main structure is now completed which makes the Balayan-Balibago Road open to all kinds of vehicular traffic. Implemented by the DPWH Batangas 1st District Engineering Office, District Engineer Rosario Adapon said that with the completion of this project, sugar cane producers would surely increase their profit as it will assure immediate delivery of their produce in the market and sugar processing areas. It can be recalled that the 50 year old bridge collapse last November 2007 during the onslaught of typhoon “Mina” and “Lando” due to old age and based on the request of Congresswoman Aileen Ermita-Buhain, the DPWH were able to make the bridge passable after a month a month of construction. Engr. Adapon added that to assure public safety, they are coordinating for the possible needed P 4 Million funds for the remaining protective works such as pavement, masonry, slope protection and river embankment works around the existing bridge structure.

01/30/08

CONSTRUCTION OF BYPASS ROAD IN AKLAN INSPECTED

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Assuring the immediate completion of high-impact projects especially in rural areas, DPWH Rgeion VI Director Rolando Asis briefs Assistant Secretary Dimas Soguilon on the status of Kalibo-Iloilo Highway Bypass Road in Banga Aklan. With Asis is Aklan District Engineer Roberto Cabigas and District Engineer Ador Canlas

01/30/08

ASSURING QUALITY OF WORK

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Based on the instruction of Public Works Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. to assure quality of work in all public works major infrastructure projects, DPWH Region II Director Eugenio Pipo Jr. (second from left) personally inspected the on-going construction of Bintacan Bridge and approaches in Bintacan, Ilagan Isabela. With Pipo are Asst. Dir. Melanio Briosos and Construction Chief Danilo Tabilas.

01/28/08

EBDANE ORDERS NEW ASSIGNMENTS FOR DPWH KEY EXECUTIVES

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In line with the recent appointment of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretaries Rafael Yabut and Ramon Aquino and in the interest of public service pursuant to Executive Order No. 124, series of 1987, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. issued Department Order No. (DO) 04 Series of 2008 amending the authorities and areas of responsibilities of DPWH Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. In his DO, Secretary Ebdane assigned Senior Undersecretary Manuel Bonoan to have overall supervision and management of operations of all DPWH Services, Bureaus, Regional Offices and Project Management Offices and shall oversee the overall implementation of priority projects under the “Super Regions” Program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Undersecretary Bashir Rasuman was assigned as Undersecretary for Support Services to include Administrative and Manpower Management Service, Comptrollership and Financial Management Service, Monitoring and Information Service and overall supervision of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)- PMO, Infrastructure Right of Way (IROW) - PMO, Road Information and Management Support System and also act as Chairman of Price Escalation and Price Adjustment Committee (PEPAC), Special Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for BOT Central Selection Board, DPWH Central Disposal Committee and Central IROW Committee. Undersecretary Ramon Aquino supervises DPWH operations for Luzon (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 4-B, 5, NCR and CAR) both for local and foreign-assisted projects. Aquino also acts as Chairman of the Central Office BAC for Civil Works in his area of responsibility and serves as head of the Legislative Liason Office. Undersecretary Rafael Yabut was assigned as Undersecretary for DPWH Operations for Visayas and Mindanao (Regions 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) both for local and foreign assisted projects and also acts as Chairman of Central Office BAC for his area of responsibility and continues to supervise the Public Information Division. Assistant Secretary Raul Asis will supervises the Planning Service, Bureau of Design, Bureau of Research and Standard, Feasibility Study- PMO and Environmental and Social Services Office. Asis also acts as Chairman of the Central Office BAC for Consultancy Services. Assistant Secretary Dimas Soguilon supervises the Bureau of Construction, Bureau of Maintenance, Bureau of Equipment and Procurement Office for Civil Works. Soguilon also acts as Chairman of the Central Office BAC for Goods and Extraordinary Claim Review Committee. In his order, Ebdane also added that all Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries shall report to him through the Senior Undersecretary, while the DPWH Internal Audit and Legal Service shall continue to be directly under the Office of the Secretary. Meanwhile, Ebdane reiterates his order of utilizing the Document Tracking System (DoTS) in streamlining and facilitating the processing of civil works documents such as plans, specifications, contractors’ claims, variation orders, pre-qualification resolutions, approved budget for contract, RROW payments, and other documents. Ebdane also order the installation of an IT-Kiosk at the ground floor lobby of the DPWH Central Office to cater to contractors’ queries on the status of their documents.

01/28/08

PHASE 1 OF TARLAC - LA UNION TOLL EXPRESSWAY (TLUTE) SET TO START

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With the approval of the resolution recommending the award to Private Infra Development Corporation (PIDC), the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Tarlac-La Union Toll Expressway (TLUTE) Phase 1, the construction of the expressway to Northern Luzon is expected to start next year. According to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., the TLUTE project will be implemented through Public-Private Partnership using Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) variant scheme wherein the project proponent is responsible for the design, financing and construction of the initial two-lane expressway. Total project cost is P14.610 Billion with P469.99 Million for detailed engineering, P13.347 Billion for civil works, supervision and project management, and P793 Million for right-of-way acquisition. "The Philippine Government shall provide for the acquisition of the road right-of-way," Ebdane said. The 84-kilometer expressway starts from La Paz, Tarlac (terminus of the Subic-Clark Expressway) passing through the municipalities of Victoria, Gerona, Paniqui, Moncada and San Manuel in Tarlac province, Rosales, Urdaneta, Binalonan, Pozzorubio and Sison in Pangasinan and ends in Rosario, La Union. The expressway project involves the construction in two phases. Phase 1 will be two lanes while Phase 2 will be the expansion into four lanes to be undertaken when the capacity reaches 25,000 vehicles. The project is expected for full operation by 2013.

01/25/08

DPWH RECEIVES LAND DONATION FROM BICOL SOLON

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The Department of Public Works and Highways in Bicol Region will be now be saving funds as Congresswoman Rizalina Seachon-Lanete donated a parcel of land to be utilized as the new location for the DPWH Masbate 2nd Engineering District Engineering Office (MSDEO). During the turnover ceremony, representing DPWH Region V Director Orlando Roces, Assistant Regional Director Jaime Martinez said that since the creation of the MADEO in 2000, the office is just renting a parcel of land in Dimasalang, Dimasalang Masbate which entails them higher operation costs for land rental expenses. “ We are very grateful for the generosity of Congresswoman Seachon , because the savings that will be generated for the acquisition of this new land would be allotted to the other needs of MSCEO that will help them in providing better public service. The deed of donation for the 10,000 square meters of land, located in Brgy. Balocawe, Dimasalang, Masbate was formally turned over to MSDEO OIC-District Engineer Mariano Espares by Cong. Seachon last January 23, 2008.

01/24/08

DPWH CONTINUES DISMANTLING ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE BILLBOARDS IN METRO MANILA

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Assuring public safety and in compliance with Administrative Orders No. 160 & 160-A of President Gloira Macapagal Arroyo, the Department of Public Works and Highways “Operation Baklas Billboard” today (January 24, 2008) dismantles another four illegal billboards in Metro Manila. Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said that the department will strictly comply with the existing rules and regulations and the issued additional rules and guidelines for signs and other signages integrated in the in the Rule XX of the National Building Code Implementing Rules and Regulations. During the dismantling operation, DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut said that majority of the inspected billboards in Metro Manila were found lacking the necessary permit, non conforming with the existing rules in proper setback and design, and are near powerlines which poses danger to the public. “ We are appealing to all billboard owners and advertisers to comply with the law and help the government to assure the safety of the public. Since August last year the department had already published billboard advisory and the additional guidelines for signs and signages, we are just implementing what we are tasked to do for the benefit of the general public” Yabut said. Among the dismantled billboards are a rooftop signage along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, signages along Quezon Boulevard in Manila, advertising signages and billboards structures along MRT Line 2 in EDSA, and a huge billboard structure along EDSA corner Roxas Boulevard. DPWH National Building Code Development Executive Director Emmanuel Cuntapay said that as stated in the new guidelines, billboard owners should secure a Building Permit, Certificate of Use, Sign Permit and Certificate of Annual Inspection from their respecting city or municipal building official. As to date, out of the 18,519 illegal and unsafe billboards, 15,036 are already dismantled by the DPWH ‘Oplan Baklas Billboard’ crew nationwide.

01/23/08

DPWH TIES UP WITH CIVIL SOCIETY IN MONITORING ROAD PROJECTS

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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) today firms up its partnership with civil society groups in monitoring the implementation of road projects nationwide. Speaking before the fist organizational meeting of the "Bantay Lansangan" (Roadwatch) held today at Linden Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. has called on various road stakeholders to operationalize Bantay Lansangan as a viable potent force for optimum efficiency in public works (roads) projects. Ebdane also said that the "Bantay Lansangan" fuels the resolve of the DPWH to get most out of the road programs for the benefit of all road users in the country. "There is the challenge of ensuring that the road network we build will last for generations to come. Add to this the imperative of enabling a culture of transparency adn accountability that will guide the operations of public works," said Ebdane. He furhter said that the DPWH is fortunate to have "Bantay Lansangan's" manpower and resources in efficiently monitoring the road construction projets. "The good news is that our resolve and our reason for being will be put to test. The more roads and bridges on the drawing board, the more opportunities for "Bantay Lansangan" to implement and act on its mandate," added Ebdane. He also reported on the status of major road projects included in the "Super Region program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which he said will be fast tracked for completion in 2010. The "Bantay Lansangan" is a partnership of the government (DPWH) and various external stakeholders such as those representing the road users, service providers, good governance groups, anti-corruption agencies to include the Office of the Ombudsman and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), centers of excellence, transport groups, media groups, and other concerned people's organziations with the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) as coordinator. Meanwhile, in a talk with Ms. Pura Sumanguil, chairperson of Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance (CCAGG), Ebdane said that the on-going construction of Halsema Highway is closely monitored by the Department, including those completed portions which he ordered to be removed and replaced by the concerned contractors.

01/22/08

UNITED KINGDOM ASSISTED BRIDGE PROJECT IN ALBAY NEARS COMPLETION- DPWH

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Local officials as well as residents in Tiwi, Albay will soon be relieved from transportaion woes especially during the rainy season as the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the near completion of the United Kingdom assisted Nagas Bridge project. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Region 5 Director Orlando B. Roces said that the P16.6 Million worth bridge project is already 93.74% and expected to be completed before the end of February this year. Ms. Nora Bautista a local resident in the said municipality said that the new bridge would ensure public safety especially during rainy season because the existing spillway bridge during high tide and even minimal rainfall becomes flooded which makes the road impassable. “ The completion of the Nagas Bridge is a great contribution for the improvement of socio-economic condition not only for the residents but also for traders and investors in Tiwi” Bautista added. The old bridge was damaged due to heavy rains last October 2007 which made the entire town of Tiwi isolated from its neighboring municipalities. To assure continuous flow of traffic the DPWH Bicol Region Office provided a footbridge for pedestrian and steel plates mounted on the damaged approaches to allow the passage of light vehicles. Roces added that Tiwi is one of the tourism hubs of Bicol region because of its famous pottery industry and geothermal power plants, the provision of 24 hour accessibility will pave the way for greater profitability to the local residents.

01/21/08

DPWH PROVIDES FERRY SERVICES IN DAMAGED BRIDGE IN CAGAYAN PROVINCE

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To assure continuous delivery of goods, services and commuters, after the collapse of Governor Edgar Lara Bridge in Tuguegarao City last year, the Department of Public Works and Highways provided a “ Ferry Boat” crossing the Matalag River. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Region 2 Director Eugenio Pipo Jr. said that due to the pending release of funds for the replacement of the damaged bridge he had coordinated with the concerned local government and provided a ferry boat as a remedial measure to ensure the continuous flow of traffic. “ Five of the seven spans of Lara Bridge were washed out due to heavy floods which include the presence of huge logs and other debris during the height of typhoon Mina last year. An estimated P 60 Million is needed to repair all the damaged infrastructure in Cagayan second and third district” Pipo added. Pipo also said that Gov. Lara Bridge is one of the vital routes going in and out of Tuguegarao City, connecting to various municipalities in Cagayan Province. “ The provision of the ferry services would ensure the immediate delivery of farm produce in the nearby agricultural areas going to the market areas in Tuguegarao City” Pipo explained. Meanwhile, Pipo also reported that the landslide affected roads and some road cuts in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino Provinces are now passable after the DPWH Region 2 Maintenance Division had immediately conducted clearing operations and undertook needed repair works after the rains had subsided.

01/17/08

DPWH RESUMES ITS CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE BILLBOARDS

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After temporarily suspending its operation during the holiday season, the Department of Public Works and Highways has formally resumed its “Operation Baklas Billboard” by dismantling illegal signs along MRT Line 2 in EDSA Quezon City. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said that in compliance with the Administrative Orders No 160 and 160-A of President Gloira Macapagal Arroyo the DPWH will continue to implement the existing rules and regulations and dismantle all illegal and unsafe billboards to assure public safety. DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut said that after conducting investigation and field inspection, the newly erected signages along the MRT Line 2 were found illegal and have to be dismantled because it endangers the operation of the MRT because these are near the power lines. “ We appeal to all the billboard owners, advertisers and other stakeholders to comply with existing rules and regulations and if their structures were found to be illegal they must voluntarily dismantle their signages and help assure public safety” Yabut said. Yabut also added that the DPWH has already published through national circulated newspaper the additional rules and guidelines for signs and other signages augmented in the Rule XX of the National Building Code of the Philippines and also issued a public advisory as a warning to billboard owners and advertisers regarding the governments program against illegal and unsafe billboards. “ In support with the billboard advertising industry, the additional rules and guidelines were promulgated in coordination with the local building officials, Outdoor Advertisers Association of the Philippines (OAAP) and other concerned stakeholders” Yabut added. Nationwide, out of the 19,116 inspected illegal and hazardous billboards, the DPWH Operation Baklas Billboard has already dismantled 15,022 illegal and unsafe billboards.

01/16/08

DPWH AWARDS 2007 BEST DISTRICT & ASSISTANT DISTRICT ENGINEER

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District Engineer Rogelio Rejano and Assistant District Engineer Marcelito Ferrer, both of DPWH Quezon 3rd District Engineering Office were named 2007 Outstanding District Engineer (DE) and Assistant District Engineer, respectively. DE Rejano and ADE Ferrer, both with a 95.12% rating, bested other District Engineers and Assistant District Engineers from among the more than 170 District Engineering Offices nationwide. DE Efren V. Pacson & ADE Fernando R. Dungca (93.69%) of Tarlac Sub-DEO were named First Runners-up and DE Carlito C. Jose & ADE Ness S. Villanueva (92.63%) of Cavite Sub-DEO were named Second Runners-up. The awrd was in recognition of the outstanding role of Quezon 3rd DEO and its officials as agency frontliner in the implementation of infrastructure projects. Among the projects implemented by the district office were the newly concrete paved San Narciso-San Andres Road & newly-asphalted Padre Burgos-Pototanin Junction Road in Quezon Province and completed water supply system in Barangay Pacabit, Catanuauan, Quezon. Meanwhile, rank and file employees of the DPWH-Central Office with exemplary services and work accomplishments were awarded with Plaque of Recognition. Awarded DPWH Central Office Employees of the Year were Melchor C. Javillo, Jr. of Project Mnagement Office – Infrastructure Road Right-of-Way (PMO-IRROW); Engr. Aristarco M. Doroy of the Bureau of Construction (BOC); Ma. Mildred A. Villar of the Project Mnagement Office - Philippine Japan Highways Loan (PMO-PJHL); Solita Viernes of the Internal Audit Service (IAS); Leopoldo R. Moreno of the Legal Service; Cindy M. Argote of the Bureau of Maintenance (BOM); Engr. Iluminada V. de Guzman of the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS); Uldarico L. Lauzon, Jr. of CFMS-Accounting Division; Myrna R. Taniega of Medical-Dental Division and Ma. Sandra E. Pascua of MIS. The awardees received their awards from Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. and Mrs. Alma Ebdane during the agency’s annual Christmas Program.

01/16/08

DPWH REGION IV-A BAGS CY 2007 BEST IN QUALITY CONTROL AWARD

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Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office IV-A was adjudged Best in Quality Control in the implementation of DPWH infrastructure projects for the year 2007. Regional Office IV-A has an average of 90.25% rating based on the result of the evaluation conducted by the DPWH Central Office for the year 2007. Regions VII and XIII ranked First and Second Runners-up, respectively. The award was given in recognition to the region’s exemplary performance by practicing the highest quality standards in engineering and accomplishing projects in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Regional Director Bonifacio Seguit, who was awarded Best Regional Director for 2007 received the award from Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. who in turn commended the Southern Tagalog region for being a consistent top performer. According to Seguit, since early 2007, about 4,500 various infrastructure projects were undertaken and completed by the region. Among the major projects implemented and completed by the regional office were the widening of Tiaong By-Pass Road, a vital road that helps decongest traffic at the existing Daang Maharlika Highway; Quezon Eco-Tourism Road Project in Sariaya; and three-school building projects namely 2- storey 6-classroom school building in Brgy. San Antonio Bay, 2-storey 4-classroom at Sampaguita Elementary School in San Pedro, and the 2-storey 4-classroom at Laguna Resettlement Central School which were completed ahead of schedule before the start of the classes in June 2007.

01/15/08

DPWH TO COMPLETE BANKEROHAN BRIDGE ON SCHEDULE

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“ Definitely we will complete the bridge on schedule” Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. assured that the Generoso Bridge also known as Bankerohan Bridge in Davao City will be completed on schedule. In the past few weeks, local officials as well as residents has expressed dissatisfaction over the DPWH performance in the implementation of the collapsed old bridge which serves as vital link between Davao City and nearby provinces in eastern Mindanao. It can be recalled that the 30 year old Bankerohan Bridge collapsed last year because of deterioration and wear and tear. “ We are strictly following the process of project implementation to assure no problems will occur during the construction period” Ebdane said. Ebdane added that even that the original scheduled construction period within seven months, the contractor has agreed to fast track the project and committed to finish it within four months. “ The contractor is willing to spend its own money and complete the project on schedule. Even if the project is going to be implemented in a fast tracked phase we will strictly monitor its implementation and assure that the approved plans and specifications will be followed” said Ebdane. The project involves the construction of 170.8 lineal meter bridge composed of four spans of pre-stressed concrete girder, bored pile foundation, superstructure, slope protection works and Pile Dynamic & Pile Integrity Test and Facilities for the engineer. “ Another good feature of the new bridge is that we will be using bored piles, which is more reliable that concrete piles” Ebdane added. This P207 Million project was funded under the regular DPWH regular infra fund, implemented by the DPWH Bureau of Construction and DPWH Region XI Office under contract with Ciriaco Corporation. Ebdane also explained that the department has recently identified a new harbor that will serve as a depot for the bridge construction materials and the materials are now being hauled from Manila to the construction site in Davao City.

01/14/08

NEW DPWH UNDERSECRETARY TAKES OATH

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DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. formally administered the oath of office Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut. Yabut is the former Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Operations prior to his promotion as Undersecretary by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. With Yabut are his wife Helen and his child Rosy-Anne.

01/14/08

NEW DPWH UNDERSECRETARY TAKES OATH

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DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. formally administered the oath of office Undersecretary Ramon P. Aquino. Aquino is the former Assistant Secretary for Luzon Operations prior to his promotion as Undersecretary by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. With Aquino are his wife Teresita and his child Terese Monette.

01/11/08

PGMA APPOINTS TWO NEW DPWH UNDERSECRETARIES

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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has appointed Department of Public Works and Highway Assistant Secretaries Rafael C. Yabut and Ramon P. Aquino as new DPWH Undersecretaries. Serving the department for 33 years, Asec. Yabut is known as a no-nonsense civil worker for enforcing the rule of law as he courageously supervises the Operation Baklas Billboards of the DPWH and cleared the national roads of Pampanga of illegal structures and obstructions when he was still a district engineer of Pampanga First District Engineering Office. When he was appointed as Assistant Secretary in 2003, he was the youngest among the DPWH Executive Committee and he was acknowledged as an “action man” and one of the initiators of “change” in the DPWH being a member of the Road Information Management Support System Steering Committee. Asec. Yabut was born and a proud son of Pampanga, he started to work at the DPWH-Angeles in 1975 as a laborer and completed his civil engineering course as a working student and a band member playing saxophone and clarinet at the Angeles University Foundation in 1976. Asec. Yabut is an active member of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Association of Government Civil Engineers of the Philippines, Road Engineering Association of the Philippines and now the Vice-President of the American Society of Civil Engineers- Philippine Group. Meanwhile, Asec. Aquino has gained the reputation as one of the most effective engineers in the DPWH as a “fast tracker” in project implementation and as a “work buff”. Asec. Aquino was commended by the local officials in Central Luzon as he personally supervised road clearing, maintenance and monitoring activities along damaged infrastructure even at the height of typhoon “Milenyo” and “Reming” when he was the DPWH Region 3 Director. Born in San Fernando la Union, Asec. Aquino has served the department for 31 years starting as a civil engineering aide in 1977 and worked hard to climb the ladder of success and became as an Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff of DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. last year. Secretary Ebdane will administer their formal oath of office on Monday (January 14, 2008).

01/11/08

INSPECTION OF THE CONTROVERSIAL BAGUIO CITY FLYOVER

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Senate Committee on Public Works Chair Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. made a surprise inspection on the ongoing construction of the Baguio City Flyover. With him are DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. Assistant Secretary Ramon Aquino, DPWH-CAR Regional Director Mariano Alquiza and Project manager Mario G. Lualhati of Advanced Foundation.

01/10/08

DPWH REGION 3 CAPTURES CY 2007 BEST IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

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The Department of Public Works and Highways – Region 3 bested 15 other regions in the implementation of construction projects for CY 2007. Obtaining a rating of more than 88 percent based on schedule of accomplishment for funded infrastructure projects in the region and district level, DPWH Region 3 scored above Region 11 and Region 8 which gained more than 86 percent and 83 percent, respectively. No less than Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. together with House Committee on Public Works Chairman Roger Mercado and members of the DPWH Executive Committee handed the award to DPWH Region 3 Director Alfredo Tolentino in recognition of their outstanding performance. Ebdane said that the exemplary efforts by combining technical excellence with people focused service made by Region 3 contributed to the development of the country and Central Luzon Region in particular. Elated by the recognition given by the DPWH top leadership in CY 2007, Tolentino said that the inspiration brought by the Best Region in Construction award and carrying of the same mentality for excellence in work will enable them to “defend the crown” and even catches Best Region in Maintenance and Best Region in Quality Control in CY 2008. Aside from capturing Best in Construction, DPWH Region 3 placed second runner up for Best Region in Maintenance for CY 2007 as it has also efficiently and effectively implement the infrastructure maintenance programs and activities of the Department.

01/10/08

DPWH REGION 3 CAPTURES CY 2007 BEST IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

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01/10/08

DPWH COMPLETES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF TRAVESIA BRIDGE IN BICOL

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Motorists coming in and out of Legaspi City will be relieved of almost an hour of extended travel time as the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the completion of the Travesia Bridge along Daang Maharlika Highway in Guinobatan, Albay. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said that with the completion of the bridge it would improve the income of truckers as well as the public transport sector because it decreases transport expenses by cutting down the traveling time for about 45 minutes. The old Travesia Bridge was damaged last 2006 after the passage of more or less 200 trucks included in the “Mercy Caravan”, government’s relief distribution program for the victims of typhoon Reming in Albay and Sorsogon. DPWH Region V Director Orlando Roces said that the original expected completion date of the bridge was on October 2007, but due to unworkable weather condition during the third quarter of 2007 they failed to meet its target completion date. Meanwhile, Guinobatan Mayor Juan Garcia had extended his gratitude on the accomplishment of the DPWH and commented that with the strict implementation of the project he is confident that the new bridge can withstand supertyphoons. Also in Albay, Roces also reported that the repair of Tobgon Bridge in Ligao City is already 88.11% complete and if good weather prevails they are expecting to complete it before the end of January 2008. Tobgon Bridge was damaged due to the heavy flow of volcanic debris from Mt. Mayon during height of typhoon Reming. Both bridge replacement projects are funded under the regular CY 2007 Infra fund amounting P24.7 Million for Travesia Bridge and P35.1 Million for Tobgon Bridge including the detour spillway and approaches.

01/09/08

DPWH COMPLETES STRENGTHENING OF 13 BRIDGES IN MINDANAO

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Assuring public safety and in line with the disaster preparedness program of the government, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the completion of the repair and retrofitting of 13 bridges in Northern Mindanao. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said that this project was included in the Sixth Asian Development Bank (ADB) Road Project, for the repair and retrofitting of national bridges nationwide. DPWH ADB Project Director Lope Lasam said that with the improved structural stability of the existing bridges, they can now withstand earthquake and flood occurrence in the region. Three of the newly retrofitted bridges are located in Lanao del Norte along Iligan Cagayan De Oro Road while ten are in Misamis Oriental along Cagayan de Oro- Butuan Road. This P197.8 Million bridge-retrofitting project is jointly funded by the ADB and Government of the Philippines under contract with PT Adhi Karya and VT Lao Construction Joint Venture. Lasam added that the newly retrofitted bridges are recently inspected by the DPWH Quality Assurance Team composed of technical experts from the DPWH Regional and District Office, DPWH ADB-PMO Office, and representatives from the contractor and consultant.

01/07/08

DPWH COMPLETES 120 FARM TO MARKET ROADS NATIONWIDE

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In support with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Hunger Mitigation Program, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the completion of 120 farm-to-market roads (FMR) nationwide. Funded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as of December 31, 2007 a total of P200 Million worth of FMR funds were released at the DPWH for the construction of 171.5 Kilometers of FMR projects nationwide. DPWH Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Project Management Office (CARP-PMO) Director Ernesto Gregorio said that out of the programmed 127 FMR projects 120 are completed, six are on-going and one is still under pre-construction phase. “ These farm-to-market roads will ensure the immediate delivery of farm produce to the market areas and storage facilities to avoid crop spoilage and to maximize the quantity of crop production in agricultural areas” Gregorio said. Gregorio added that this program would also improve the living conditions of the residents in the area, as it will provide employment opportunities with the provision of new access roads. For the entire program, the DPWH has generated a total of 55,827 manpower employment days and served a total of 130 barangays nationwide.

01/03/08

DPWH CY 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS, A FEAT HARD TO BEAT

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The Department of Public Works and Highways has posted a tremendous accomplishments in the implementation of programs and projects in line with the 10-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. For 2007, the DPWH has completed priority infrastructure projects that responded to the needs of the Filipino people, which helped in the upliftment of their lives. Out of 11,202 region-implemented projects, the department has accomplished 10,595 projects (95.45%) and out of 1,807 PMO-implemented projects, it has accomplished 1,648 projects (96.16%). Four major projects were completed: Marikina Bridge and Bypass Road Project costing P991.91M; Widening and Improvement of the MacArthur Highway Phase I – P467.5M and Phase II – P61.90M; Plaridel Bypass Road – P1.1B and NAIA Expressway Ramps 1 and 4 – P601.68M. Added to the list is the completion of 925 flood control projects nationwide costing P3.55B which include the CAMANAVA Flood Control Project, Pasig River Rehabilitation Project I and Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project. Also completed in 2007 were 1,391 water supply systems worth P1.031B; 7,348 classrooms built out of the 9,250 classrooms under the regular and supplemental schoolbuilding program for CY 2007 of the Department of Education; and construction of a total of 151 farm to market roads equivalent to 229.33 kilometers FMR under the P362M budget of the Department of Agriculture and 249.859 kilometers under the P617.083M budget of Department of Agrarian Reform. SONA projects in the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle, Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines and Mindanao are also ongoing and are to be completed before the President’s term ends in 2010. With a total of P90.72 Billion budget allocation for CY 2008, DPWH will continue to stand on its mandate to be responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects in accordance with national development objectives. DPWH thrusts to the 10 point agenda of President Arroyo to be supported by the 2008 budget will be to decentralize development to other regions by developing a reliable transportation network, decongest traffic in Metro Manila, complete the Roads-cum-Ports Nautical Highways System, provide potable water to waterless barangays, construct new schoolbuildings and create at least six million jobs.

For more information, contact :

Public Information Division

Phone: 304-3532

Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila

Trunk Line: (632) 304-3000