Welcome to www.DPWH.gov.ph

The Department of Public Works and Highways announces the opening of its DPWH-Region 4-B satellite office in Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental. DPWH Region 4-B’s jurisdiction covers the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (MIMAROPA) or Southern Tagalog island provinces. During its launching, DPWH Region 4-B Director Veniedo Reyes said that the setting up of the regional (satellite) office in Calapan City is in compliance with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Executive Order No. 632 also known as the transfer of the regional offices to the respective mandated regional centers. The satellite office serves as the preliminary coordinating center of DPWH Region 4-B while the regional office building shall be formally established. Currently, the DPWH Region 4-B Office is located in the DPWH compound along EDSA in Diliman, Quezon City. “ The satellite office is now operational with representatives from our planning, construction, maintenance, legal, quality control, and administrative offices are now assigned to transact on DPWH clients and accept project monitoring report in the entire MIMAROPA Region” Reyes said. Reyes added that the Department is expected to save funds for this purpose as the establishment of the satellite office would decrease the transportation costs of project inspectors especially in monitoring the implementation of projects in Romblon, Marinduque and Mindoro islands. The satellite office is located in the DPWH Mindoro Oriental 1st District Engineering Office compound in Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental.

02/27/08

DPWH IMPROVES DAPITAN-DAKAK ROAD IN NORTHERN ZAMBOANGA

Top

The Department of Public Works and Highways continuous to provide significant contribution to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration’s socio-economic development program for Mindanao through the improvement of infrastructure facilities. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. said that the Department is vigorously pursuing the implementation of various road improvement projects as pronounced by the President during her State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) to improve living condition and boosts tourism. DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, in-charge of Visayas and Mindanao operations, said that foremost to the list of SONA project in northern tip of Zamboanga Del Norte is the improvement of Dapitan City-Dakak Road along Dapitan-Dakak-Rizal Coastal Loop Road, the only road access to the two (2) tourist spots of Dapitan City, namely: the historic Rizal Shrine and the world class Dakak Park and Beach Resort. According to DPWH Region 9 Assistant Director Hadji Madsmo Hasim, they are closely monitoring construction works being undertaken by contractors to ensure quality completion based on plans and specifications as directed by the Secretary Ebdane. “We had instructed the DPWH 3rd Zamboanga Engineering District Office to closely supervise the project and report or immediate address any concerns”, said Madsmo. DPWH 3rd Zamboanga Del Norte OIC-District Engineer Elnora Gongob reported that the road project under various phases has a total length of 10.795 kilometers, with the Talisay-Sto. Niño Section almost 70 percent completed and accomplishments expected to pick up as weather condition improves. The coastal loop of Dapitan-Dakak, aside from the tourist attraction, traverses an area rich in marine products and the improvement works will provides a wider market through accessible road. Dapitan City evokes fond memories of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal and a ten (10) hectares of land in Talisay has been reserved thru proclamation of then President Manuel L. Quezon to what is presently known as Rizal Shrine where life and career of the greatest Filipino martyr was spent. On the otherhand, Dakak Park and Beach Resort attracts tourists worldwide in all seasons because of scenic environment.

02/26/08

ROADS LESSEN PEACE AND ORDER PROBLEM

Top

Good roads encourage movement of products, goods and services and this is what the Department of Public Works and Highways is doing. One of the top priority projects of DPWH is the development/improvement of Zamboanga West Coast Road, a State-of the Nation Address (SONA) commitment of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which will complete the circumferential road in Zamboanga Peninsula. The Zamboanga West Coast Road Improvement Project traverses the municipalities of Sirawai, Sibuco and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte. Work involves new road opening/widening, improvement through gravelling and concrete paving. Its improvement will particularly give comfort to the traveling public and make the road passable in all weather condition. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. has instructed DPWH Region 9 officials to regularly conduct coordination meeting with all project contractors and DPWH project personnel to thresh out problems in project implementation. Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, in-charge of DPWH operations in Visayas and Mindanao, emphasized the need for DPWH Region 9 and Zamboanga Del Norte 2nd Engineering District to constantly monitor the project to ensure that the highest standard of quality in construction as set by the Department is followed by the contractor. OIC-District Engineer Alexander Duhig of the DPWH Zamboanga Del Norte 2nd Engineering District Office said that completion of Zamboanga West Coast Road will lessen problem with peace and order as so-called lawless elements can be easily neutralized by police and the military because of better road access. “With products and services becoming more easily available, people would not be chaotic. It is natural that when people are hungry, they don’t have the peace of mind”, added Engr. Duhig.

02/21/08

PREPARING FOR STRONG TYPHOONS

Top

With the pronouncement of PAG-ASA that strong typhoons are expected to hit the country, DPWH continues with its dismantling operations on illegal and hazardous billboards. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed DPWH to dismantle these killer billboards posing danger to the public. Photo shows DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and National building Code Development Office Director Emmanuel Cuntapay supervising the dismantling of an illegal billboard erected on top of the barangay hall in Maricaban, Pasay City.

02/21/08

DPWH TRAVEL ADVISORY

Top

DUE TO CONTINUOUS HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODS FOR ALMOST 8 DAYS PASSABLE NATIONAL ROADS Region V As of 10:00 AM Sorsogon 2nd - All roads leading to Sorsogon 2nd District is cleared for all motorists. Ferry terminal in Matnog and Bulan issued advisory warning to all passengers because of continuous heavy rains for the past seven days. Camarines Sur 2nd - All national roads and bridges are passable to all types of vehicles. No reported flooding Albay 2nd Flooded area but still passable to vehicles: - Washington Drive (infront of Alicia Hotel) - Junction Lakandula and Peñaranda Extension (infront of Caltex gasoline station) - Peñaranda Extension (infront of Casa Blanca Hotel & infron of Mariners Polytechnical School) - Junction of Rizal and Lapu-Lapu Sts. - Junction of Rizal and Binanuahan Sts. - Daraga-Legazpi-Sto. Domingo Boundary Road (Padang Section) - Manila South Road (Libod Section Camalig) - DM Junction-Camalig-Inarado-Peñaranda Road (Tagaytay Section) - Legazpi-Manito (Imalnod section) damage slope protection and eroded shoulder (30 meters) Masbate - All national roads and bridges are passable DUE TO CONTINUOUS HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODS FOR ALMOST 8 DAYS PASSABLE NATIONAL ROADS Region V As of 10:00 AM Sorsogon 2nd - All roads leading to Sorsogon 2nd District is cleared for all motorists. Ferry terminal in Matnog and Bulan issued advisory warning to all passengers because of continuous heavy rains for the past seven days. Camarines Sur 2nd - All national roads and bridges are passable to all types of vehicles. No reported flooding Albay 2nd Flooded area but still passable to vehicles: - Washington Drive (infront of Alicia Hotel) - Junction Lakandula and Peñaranda Extension (infront of Caltex gasoline station) - Peñaranda Extension (infront of Casa Blanca Hotel & infron of Mariners Polytechnical School) - Junction of Rizal and Lapu-Lapu Sts. - Junction of Rizal and Binanuahan Sts. - Daraga-Legazpi-Sto. Domingo Boundary Road (Padang Section) - Manila South Road (Libod Section Camalig) - DM Junction-Camalig-Inarado-Peñaranda Road (Tagaytay Section) - Legazpi-Manito (Imalnod section) damage slope protection and eroded shoulder (30 meters) Masbate - All national roads and bridges are passable - Landslides are observed at San Fernando North Sections K007+050 and K010+200 but still passable to all types of vehicles - The following gravel road sections are hardly passable to light vehicles: San Fernando North Road K019+172 – K020+415; San Fernando-Talisay Road K007+000 – K009+000; San Pascual-Claveria Road, Claveria side K034 – K049 w/ exceptions. Maintenance personnel and equipment are on sites removing the above mentioned landslides. Other maintenance personnel were also deployed for the removal of debris at bridges and drainages affected by continuous rains and flash floods. As of 10:30 AM Albay 1st - All national roads and bridges are highly passable to vehicular traffic except Natmunga Bridge section along Ligao-Tabaco Road, Tabaco City where motorists have to slow down over scattered earthen materials on the roadway stop. Maintenance crew already on site fro clearing works. As of 11:00 AM Camarines Sur 3rd - All national roads and bridges are highly passable to vehicular traffic. The Camarines Sur 3rd DEO will continue to monitor the adverse effects of the prevailing bad weather. As of 12:00 AM Catanduanes - Primary and Secondary roads are hardly passable to all kinds of vehicles due to recurring landslides brought by heavy continuous torrential rains and unworkable condition of ongoing projects along Catanduanes Road Network Heavy equipment of Catanduanes DEO are on stand by mode on site and ready to operate as weather condition permits. Sorsogon 1st - All roads are passable and no significant damages. Camarines Sur 4th - All roads are passable. As of 1:00 AM Camarines Sur 4th - All national roads passable. - NO2823LZ=50 &NO2823LZ along BAAO-Iriga City-Nabua Road is flooded but passable to all types of vehicles. Masbate 1st - All national roads passable. Masbate 2nd - All national roads passable. Camarines Norte DEO - All national and secondary roads are all safe and passable to all types of vehiles. - Sections of Daet-Mercedes Road (KO348+500 –KO346+000), Daet-Poblacion Road (KO341+150 & KO343+200), Daet-Bagasbas Road (KO343+200) are under water but still passable to all types of vehicles. Damaged RCPC was immediately restored at Talobatib-Jose-Panganiban National Road, Batobalani Section (Km 328+000) and roadside workers continue the tree trimming activity in Basud-Bahi section.

02/19/08

DPWH TO BID 2008 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON TIME

Top

Following the instructions of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to start the bidding of infrastructure projects the day after the Sub-Allotment Release Order (SARO) is received from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. immediately issued a memorandum to all Regional Directors, Project Directors and District Engineers to comply with the instruction of the President. In line with this, Secretary Ebdane ordered all concerned DPWH Officials to prepare and complete all the requirements for bidding to avoid delays in the implementation of these infra projects. The directive of Secretary Ebdane shows that DPWH is supporting the Arroyo Administration’s program that there should be more aggressive spending on public infrastructure in 2008 in order to address the challenges to the country’s economic growth. 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 Ten Point Agenda of the President to be supported by the 2008 budget will be to complete the SONA projects and priority infrastructure projects in the North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle, Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines and Mindanao before the President’s term ends in 2010.

02/15/08

DPWH NEW CONSTRUCTOR’S PERFORMANCE EVALUATORS

Top

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Manuel M. Bonoan inducts the 8th batch of the new members of the Constructor’s Performance Evaluators (CPE). The CPE’s are group of technical experts from the DPWH and Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines who will evaluate the constructor’s financial, equipment, and performance capabilities to undertake various government projects nationwide.

02/13/08

DPWH ACCELERATES REPLACEMENT OF 13 BRIDGES IN ILOCOS SUR

Top

In preparation for the La Niña season as warned by the PAGASA, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the fast track implementation of the improvement and construction of Suyo Cervantes Road Project including 13 bridges in Ilocos Sur. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. Philippine Japan Highway Loan Project Director Vicente Perez said that the project is already 36.99% complete, ahead of 7.7% compared to its scheduled accomplishment rating. “ The completion of this road project would provide a more reliable access road even during the rainy season, which serves as an access road for farmers in delivering their farm produce to the market areas and delivering people and services to the different municipalities in Ilocos Sur” Perez said. The project includes the construction of 10.33 kilometers of Portland concrete cement pavement, 34 kilometers of asphalt concrete pavement, improvement / upgrading of road shoulders, replacement of 13 bridges, and drainage and slope protection works. Among the bridges being repaired are the Cayapa III Bridge, Kimpusa II Bridge, Lipay Bridge, Uso Bridge, Doccos Bridge, Quinilaoen Bridge, Kiblongan Bridge, Coscosnong Bridge, Bessang II Bridge, Bessang Bridge, Bessang III Bridge, Tamaang II Bridge, and Salungan Bridge. This P1.164 Billion road improvement and bridge replacement project is jointly funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the Government of the Philippines an expected to be completed by 02 April 2009.

02/12/08

DPWH TO START THE CONSTRUCTION OF P1.6-B KAPALONG-TALAINGOD-VALENCIA, BUKIDNON ROAD

Top

With the formal groundbreaking led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo just recently, the DPWH is set to start the improvement and concreting of P1.6 Billion Kapalong-Talaingod Boundary –Valencia road in Bukidnon. The 58.1 kilometer road improvement and concreting project implemented by DPWH XI stretches from Kapalong to the boundary of San Fernando Bukidnon gained the commitment of the President in her State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 2007 as an important of her administration’s overall efforts to develop Mindanao, to reduce poverty and attract investments in the region. The P1.6-billion project forms part of the an inter-regional link connecting two of the country’s major arterial roads, Pan-Philippine Highway (Davao-Agusan Road) in Region XI and Sayre Highway in Bukidnon, Region X. Included in the project is the construction of six bridges. The new route will serve as an alternate road to the Davao-Calinan-Bukindon Road and Agusan-Road (Daang Maharlika), saving travel time between the two provinces by three hours. Other provinces that would benefit from this shorter route would include Davao Oriental and southern area of Agusan del Sur and their environs. The groundbreaking ceremonies, held in Barangay Tiburcia in Kapalong, was attended by some 300 residents and local officials led by Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol, Talaingod Mayor Pilar Libayao, DPWH Secretary Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Arrel Olano, and 2nd District Rep. Antonio Lagdameo, DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut and Region XI Director Jerome dela Rosa. With the improvement of the Kapalong-Talaingod Boundary, Valencia-Bukidnon road, a boost of economic activities in the areas could also be seen, with the vast agricultural lands producing banana and other tropical fruits, corn, rice and vegetables, potential scenic spots and agro industries all waiting to be tapped to fuel growth and development of the two provinces in Regions X and XI.

02/07/08

DPWH APPEALS TO BILLBOARD OWNERS TO VOLUNTARILY DISMANTLE ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE BILLBOARDS

Top

The Department of Public Works and Highways today appealed to all billboard owners to help the government save its limited funds and voluntarily inspect and check if their billboard structure complied with the additional rules and guidelines on the Rule XX of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Building Code. DPWH Secretary and National Building Official Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said that in compliance with Administrative Orders No. 160 & 160-A of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the DPWH’s “Operation Baklas Billboard” nationwide continues to inspect and dismantles all illegal and unsafe billboards along major thoroughfares nationwide. “ The additional rules and guidelines were already published twice to major broadsheet newspaper last year and it was available in the DPWH Website for easy reference of all billboard owners and advertisers that’s why the billboard owners should have by now made the necessary repair, secure the necessary permit and if found illegal, should have voluntarily dismantle their billboard structure to assure public safety” Ebdane said. Recently, the DPWH NCR Oplan Baklas Billboard team has dismantled a wall mounted billboard structure along Lerma St. Manila for violating setback and structural design rules and an angular steel frame billboard at Gen. San Miguel St. corner Mabini St. in Caloocan City. DPWH National Building Code Development Office Director Emmanuel Cuntapay said that the DPWH has limited funds for such operations that’s why they are appealing to all billboards owners for self abatement of their billboard structure. For this year, to date out of 1,034 inspected billboards, the DPWH National Capital Region Oplan Baklas Billboard team had already dismantled a total of 848 illegal and unsafe billboards.

02/06/08

SEVEN AUSTRIAN ASSISTED BRIDGE PROJECT IN CAGAYAN REGION NEARS COMPLETION- DPWH

Top

Farmers and other agricultural trade industry will soon be increasing their profit as the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the near completion of seven Austrian Assisted bridge projects in Cagayan Valley Region. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Region II Director Eugenio Pipo Jr. said that the San Carlos Bridge and Guising Bridge in the Municipality of Gattaran,Tupang Bridge in Tupang, Municipality of Alcala, Nacoraban Bridge No. 2 and Gawagan Bridge in Nagtipunan, Quirino and Disimungal Bridge in Madella also in Quirino Province will be completed on or before April this year. In a recent field inspection, Pipo ordered all field engineers to take advantage of the good weather condition and accomplish much of the accomplishment works to assure that these projects would be completed on time. “ Upon their completion these bridges will not only increase the income of farmers as it assure immediate delivery of farm products thus avoiding spoilage, these will also improve the living condition in the respective provinces as it provides employment and investment opportunities shall be created ” Pipo added. The scope of work of the projects includes: San Carlos Bridge (P10.9 Million) construction of one span 37 lineal meter steel truss bridge with concrete deck slab resting on concrete piles with portland concrete cement pavement bridge approach; Guising Bridge (P18.4 M) construction of one span 57 lineal meters steel truss bridge with concrete slab on reinforced concrete piles; and the Bintacan Bridge (P24.9 M) construction of two spans104 lineal meter steel truss bridge with concrete deck slab, concrete approaches, road signs, drainage and slope protection works. Meanwhile the Tupang Bridge (P15.9 M) includes the construction of 300 lineal meter one span steel truss bridge with reinforced concrete piles and concrete approaches; Decoraban Bridge No. 2 (P10.4 M) construction of one span 50 lineal meter steel truss bridge with concrete deck slab and concrete approach, lined canals, cross drainage and road way excavation; Gawagan Bridge (P22.9 M) construction of 360 lineal meter steel truss bridge with concrete deck slab and concrete approach; and the Disimungal Bridge (P19.5 M) construction of 90 lineal meter modular steel truss bridge superstructure on bored piles and concrete approaches.

02/05/08

DPWH TO COMPLETE HIGH IMPACT TOURISM PROJECTS IN WESTERN VISAYAS

Top

In support with President Gloira Macapagal Arroyo’s thrust in developing the tourism industry through provision of quality infrastructure facilities leading to major tourist hubs in the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways assured the completion of three high impact tourism projects in Western Visayas Region. The three high impact projects are the P548 million worth road widening project from iloilo City to the new airport in Cabatuan, P676 Million worth Metro Iloilo Radial Road and the P453 Million Pandan - Libertad Road ending up to the boundary of Antique and Aklan Province. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Region VI Director Rolando Asis said that considering the importance of these projects to the tourism industry, he assured that these will be completed on schedule or before 2010. “ These three road network projects would not only improve accessibility to major tourist areas in the region but will also improve the socio-economic condition on their respective area as it provides employment and investment opportunities” Asis added. The road widening project includes the asphalt overlaying and expansion of the existing two-lane and construction of bridges which will be implemented into three phases. The first phase from the junction of Pavia to Barbara town was already completed while phase two is awaiting release for the needed funds. The fund allocation for the third phase was scheduled to be released on 2009. The Metro Iloilo Radial Road is also divided into three phases with phase one started from the town proper of Zarraga towards Cabatuan airport is now on-going. The second phase is scheduled to start this year while the final phase was included in the 2009 budget. Meanwhile, the Pandan Libertad Road was scheduled to be bidded out on June this year. It involves the improvement of 27-kilometer road from gravel to cement concrete pavement is expected to be finished on the first quarter of 2010.

02/01/08

KOREA COMPLETES ROAD STUDY IN THE PHILIPPINES, DONATES EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE TO DPWH

Top

The Republic of Korea, (South Korea) through its Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) formally turnover today to the Department of Public Works and Highways its final report on “The Feasibility Study on Construction and Improvement of Selected National Roads in the Philippines” and donated a total of four units of Kia Sorento four wheel drive, six units of laptop computers and three units of camcorder to be used in the strict monitoring in the implementation of DPWH infrastructure projects nationwide. During the turnover ceremony, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. thanked the Korean government represented by Korean Ambassador Hong Jong Ki and In Kim and Joon Sung Park, Country and Deputy Country Representative of KOICA respectively, for the completion of the feasibility study and donation of equipment which would greatly help the DPWH in delivering better public service and accelerating economic growth in local provinces with the future implementation of the identified viable projects. “ We are looking forward to the improvement of Korea-Philippines development cooperation and partnership as well as to having the Republic of Korea and the KOICA as one of our closest partners in the development of our country” Ebdane said. The completed feasibility study conducted by a study team composed of Korean technical experts form Pyung Hwa Engineering Cor. Ltd. and Dongsung Co. Ltd includes the analysis of 763 kilometers of road which includes the San Nicolas-Abbut Road in Nortehrn Luzon, Lagonoy- San Vicente Road in Bicol Region, Samar Pacific Coast Road, Caticlan- privincial Boundary Road and Panay East West link Road in Western Visayas, Cebu South West Coastal Road and Clarin Jagna Road. DPWH Assistant Secretary Raul Asis explained that this study was a result of DPWH’s Feasibility Study- Project Management Office and Planning Service request for a development study which we had submitted to KOICA in August 2005 and was immediately responded by the Korean Government and KOICA and sent an appraisal mission on the middle of 2006 and subsequently the grant of financial and technical assistance was approved in the late third quarter of 2006 The study aims to identify the technical feasibility of the road construction and improvement for major arterial road network and determination of development priority according to the economic and financial viability.

For more information, contact :

Public Information Division

Phone: 304-3532

Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila

Trunk Line: (632) 304-3000