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News
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June 2008 |
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06/30/08 |
GMA APPOINTS NEW DPWH UNDERSECRETARY |
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 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has appointed Department of Public Works and Highway Region XIII Director Romeo S. Momo as the new DPWH Undersecretary.
Serving the Department for 33 years, Director Momo’s vast experience and exemplary performance in the field of engineering construction and supervision was recognized by being one of the recipients of the Most Outstanding Field Executive Award for CY2003 and CY2004.
Momo has attended numerous trainings and seminars conducted here in the Philippines and abroad, among of which are the American Society of Civil Engineers Association (ASCE) Convention held in Orlando Florida, USA in November 2007 and Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2005.
Born in Tandag, Surigao Del Sur, his professional experience is served mostly at the Caraga Region and rose from the ranks from a Civil Engineering Aide in 1974 up to his previous position as regional director.
Momo is an active member of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineering (PICE), Road Engineering Association of the Philippines (REAP), Rotary Club of Butuan District and he is the District Deputy Grand Master of #26 Free and Accepted Mason of the Philippines.
DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. will administer his formal oath of office today (June 30, 2008). |
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06/27/08 |
DPWH SCORES A TRO |
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 The Court of Appeals (CA) Fourth Division has recently issued a Resolution granting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in the case entitled “Secretary of the DPWH versus Manila RTC Br. 36 Judge Emma S. Young and ASTRO Advertising.”
According to Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., the CA Resolution paves the way for the DPWH to continue with its campaign to dismantle signboards that violate the provisions of the National Building Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
“The CA Resolution arose from a special civil action with prayer for the issuance of a TRO and Writ of Preliminary Injunction filed by Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) assailing the legality of NBCDO Memorandum Circular (MC) Nos. 02 series of 2007 and 05 series of 2006 which I issued for the implementation of Administrative Order Nos. 160 and 160-A of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo directing the DPWH to conduct field inspections, evaluations and assessments of all billboards and determine those that are hazardous and pose imminent danger to life, health, safety and property of the general public and to abate and dismantle the same”, he added.
Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut said that NBCDO MC No. 2 provides that “advertising and/or signboard structures, are among those that endanger life, health, property and public welfare due to fortuitous events such as strong winds, typhoons, earthquake, fire, and other calamities, therefore, actions must be taken to provide a framework of minimum standards to regulate and control their location, design, quality of materials, construction, use and maintenance” while NBCDO MC No. 05 prescribed a notice of violation form to be used in the conduct of assessment and evaluation of all types of advertising billboards/sign structures in accordance with the provisions of the National Building Code (PD 1906) and its IRR.
OAAP argued that the circulars laid down restrictive requirements which are not found in the National Building Code. Judge Young heard the application of OAAP for a writ of preliminary injunction but before she could decide on the incident, OAAP withdrew its application.
Individual members of OAAP including ASTRO Advertising filed a motion for intervention which was allowed by Judge Young on December 7, 2007 and granted the same in her Order dated 29 February 2008 preventing the further demolition of the structure of ASTRO. |
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06/27/08 |
DPWH ISSUES 3-STRIKE POLICY IN PROCUREMENT |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently issued a Department Order imposing the guidelines in the implementation of the 3-strike policy on contractors or consultants in procurement of civil works and consultancy services contracts.
According to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., the guidelines were prescribed in order to carry out the provision of Section 69.1 Rule XXIII of the Implementing Rules and regulations, Part A (IRR-A) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as Procurement Act.
“Any act committed by a bidder as determined by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) concerned such as not buying bid documents; withdrawing from bidding or submitting a letter of non-participation before the deadline for submission of bids; and, submitting late bid without valid cause and, insufficient/defective documents is considered violation that tends to defeat the purpose of public bidding without a valid cause”, he added.
Moreover, due process shall be observed in accordance with the “uniform guidelines for blacklisting of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors and consultants” as approved by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB).
Secretary Ebdane said that to promote professionalism and accountability in the Department, administrative sanctions shall also be imposed to responsible official/employee who violates office rules and regulations and shall suffer the penalty under Section 52 (3) of Civil Service Commission No. 991936 also known as the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service: reprimand, suspension for 1-30 days and dismissal for the 1st, 2nd and offense 3rd offenses, respectively. |
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06/26/08 |
ILOILO DAMAGED INFRA |
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 Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. looks on map showing the flow of river waters after heavy rains triggered by typhoon Frank inundate areas of Iloilo province. Secretary Ebdane has directed DPWH Region 6 Director Rolando Asis (at left) to immediately prepare plans for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructures. Also in photo is DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, in-charge of the operation in Visayas. |
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06/26/08 |
DAMAGED BRIDGE IN ILOILO |
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 Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and Region 6 Director Rolando Asis assess the extent of damaged to Imelda Marcos Bridge in Cabatuan, Iloilo. Iloilo is among the worst hit province by recent typhoon Frank. |
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06/26/08 |
TYPHOON DAMAGE IN ILOILO |
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 Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. issues instruction to DPWH Region 6 Director Rolando Asis following his inspection at damaged infrastructure in Iloilo. With Ebdane are Iloilo 3rd District Representative Arthur D. Defensor Sr., Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and other public works and local officials of Iloilo. |
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06/20/08 |
DPWH CELEBRATES 110TH ANNIVERSARY ON JUNE 23 |
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 The Department of Public Works and Highways will commemorate its one hundred ten years of service on 23 June 2008 with the theme “Building on the Strength and experience of 110 years of Bridging People and Progress”.
The anniversary theme underscores the wealth of experience and the depth of our strength as an institution for 110 years, said DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos has been invited to grace the Memorabilia exhibit and Cultural presentation.
The event will start with the flag-raising ceremony at the DPWH Head Office in Port Area, Manila followed by the celebration of a thanksgiving mass.
The program shall include the awarding of loyaty medals, community partners and memorabilia search winners by Secretary Ebdane who shall also deliver his inspirational message.
The occasion of the Department ‘s 110th Anniversary also comes at a time when it is at the forefront of a renewed surge in expanding the network of roads and bridges especially those linking islands through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway and the SONA Projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The development of the DPWH into its present structure underwent a long process of evolution spanning a century of colorful and significant events in laying the groundwork for the physical foundation of the country.
The Department is considered as old as the Philippine Government when then President Emilio Aguinaldo issued his first Organic Decree creating four departments, one of which was the Department of War and Public Works.
Since the, the Department has undergone various stages of evolution that largely depended upon the policy focus on change in government shift of administration policies, and reorganization in its structure and responsibilities to suit the demands of times.
Finally after a long process of evolution by virtue of Executive Order No. 124, dated January 30, 1987, the agency is now known as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with five (5) bureaus, six (6) services, sixteen (16) regional offices, twenty-four (24) project management offices, sixteen (16) regional equipment services and one-hundred seventy-four (174) district engineering offices nationwide. |
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06/19/08 |
DPWH DISMANTLES ILLEGAL BILLBOARDS NEAR SCHOOL AREAS |
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 At the onset of rainy season and to assure public safety specifically along school and universities, the Department of Public Works and Highways continues to dismantle illegal and unsafe billboards along national roads in Metro Manila.
DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr said that the main primodial concern of the department is the safety of the traveling public especially the students.
Today the DPWH Operation Baklas Billboard team has dismantled a giant billboard structure along EDSA corner Roxas Boulevard near the San Juan De Dios High School and advertisement signages along the road right of way limit in the University belt along España Ave and Quezon Ave.
In the recent inter agency meeting between Department of Education and other government agency, the DPWH assured that on their part they will dismantle illegal billboard structures built within the 500 meter radius perimeter from school and university premises.
DPWH National Building Code Director Emmanuel Cuntapay said since the start of 2008, the billboard dismantling operation was temporarily suspended because of various Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) but with the recent lifting of the order we are now going to continue to implement what we are bound to do.
After the wrath of typhoon “Milenyo” last 2006, which resulted in the damage of property and loss of life due to toppling of giant billboards, the DPWH Operation Baklas Billboard was implemented by the DPWH in compliance with the Administrative Order No. 160 and 160-A of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“ We are not against the industry, we are just implementing the existing rules and regulations to assure the safety of the general public especially that the rainy season had officially started” Cuntapay said.
Cuntapay also explained that before the dismantling operations, the billboard owners were notified to make rectification works or to make voluntary dismantling operation, but if they failed to act the DPWH will immediately demolish all illegal and unsafe billboards. |
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06/18/08 |
DPWH TO AWARD 3 PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS IN GOOD GOVERNANCE |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways will confer Special Recognition and Citation Awards to three partner organizations on its 110th Anniversary on 23 June 2008.
In separate resolutions signed by Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., the Procurement Watch Inc. (PWI), Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government (CCAGG), and Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) will each receive special award for their continuing partnership and assistance to the DPWH all through the years.
PWI, CCAGG and TAN have passed the screening of the DPWH 110th Anniversary Search and Selection Committee for Awardees on the relative merits of the quality of their activities, intervention, and contributions/results in the attainment of the performance management criteria for making DPWH a more responsive and effective organization and infrastructure service provider.
Procurement Watch Inc. is a civil society organization formed by the challenge of reducing, if not eliminating graft and corruption in government through procurement reforms like transparency, accountability and efficiency and equal opportunity.
Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government is a non-government organization whose main objective is to promote good governance. It has uncovered irregularities in the implementation of infrastructure projects that eventually led to the prosecution of involved government officials in Abra.
Transparency and Accountability Network is a coalition of 25 multi-sectoral organizations founded on the prevention and prosecution of corruption and the promotion of a corruption-intolerant society. It has played a crucial role in the early ratification by the Senate of the UN Convention against Corruption. It has also been at the forefront in the advocacy of the Access to Information Network that provides the public with complete access to information on government affairs as provided by the Constitution.
Moreover, all three awardees have actively participated in the creation of “Bantay Lansangan (Road Watch)” for the delivery of quality road services that is responsive to road users’ needs to ensure value for money and corporate integrity. |
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06/17/08 |
DPWH SPEEDS UP COMPLETION OF SURIGAO-DAVAO COASTAL ROAD |
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 Considered as one of the major access road leading to major tourist destinations and aquamarine farms in Davao Oriental, the Department of Public Works and Highways accelerates the completion of the Manay-Boston Section of the Surigao Davao Coastal Road (SDCR) Project.
Included in the Super Regions Project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, once completed this road network would speed up the traveling time of tourists going to the coastal areas of Davao Oriental as well as the delivery of aquamarine products going to the market areas and food processing facilities.
Divided into to two phases, phase 1 includes the concreting of 9,132 lineal meters of road with grouted riprap lined canal, drainage structures and reflectorized road markings, while phase 2 involves the construction of 10,362 lineal meters of road with grouted riprap, lined canal, drainage structures, reflectorized thermoplastic pavement and installation of metal beam guardrails.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Region XI Director Jerome Dela Rosa said that phase 1 is already 26.72% complete, ahead of 13.4% compared to its scheduled accomplishment rating, while phase 2 is now 21.54% complete also ahead of 13.35 compared to its scheduled accomplishement rating.
“ Because of our good accomplishement rating we are certain that we can finish this road project on schedule” Dela Rosa said.
This P 386 Million road project, funded under the regular infrastructure fund of the DPWH, under the contract with Grace Construction Corporation is expected to be completed on January 2010. |
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06/17/08 |
DPWH COMMEMORATES 110th OF PUBLIC SERVICE WITH CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND MEMORABILIA SEARCH |
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On June 23, 2008, the Department of Public Works and Highways will celebrate its 110th Anniversary highlighted with DPWH Regional Office cultural contest and the nationwide memorabilia search.
The cultural competition of DPWH Regional Offices, divided into four clusters, provides a venue for meaningful and productive interaction that will deepen the appreciation of the service among internal and external publics; and communicate the length and depth of service of DPWH and its role in building the country.
This year’s celebration will be centered on the anniversary theme “DPWH- Building on the strength and experience of 110th years of bridging people and progress” highlighting the DPWH accomplishments and contributions on the country’s national development.
Among the champions of the cultural contest which was held last June 6, 2008 are DPWH Region III Office (Cluster A), Region V Office (Cluster B), Region VIII Office (Cluster C), and Region XI Office (Cluster D). They will be presenting their production on the highlight activity of the DPWH Anniversary on June 23.
Meanwhile, the DPWH Memorabilia Search Contest started from March 31 to June 16 aims to gather oldest items that represent the Department’s output, history and service, including the oldest living employees, the oldest documents, the oldest annual reports, the oldest equipment and the oldest photos of bridges, roads and other infrastructure projects.
Winning entries will be displayed in an exhibit and will be shown in a series of roadshow exhibits and then permanently be kept in the DPWH Library.
The Memorabilia Search committee in now currently validating the entries to check authenticity of the claimed dates of their entries. |
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06/16/08 |
DPWH COMPLETES BANKEROHAN BRIDGE IN DAVAO CITY |
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 Business communities as well as residents in Davao City are now enjoying the faster and safer traveling condition as the Department of Public Works and Highways completes the reconstruction of the Bankerohan Bridge in Davao City.
Bankerohan Bridge is considered as one of the vital bridges linking the Davao road networks to the nearby Mindanao provinces. It can be recalled that to assure public safety, the 60 year old bridge collapsed last April 2007 due to its dilapidated condition.
Even though President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr is expected to inaugurate the bridge project on June 19, 2008, last June 10, 2008 the DPWH has already opened the bridge to traffic so that the transport sector would enjoy the benefits of the completion of the project.
Mr. Arnulfo Sagun, a tricycle driver, is thankful because the completion of the bridge project would surely increase his profit as it speeds up traveling time coming in and out of the city town proper.
In his report to Secretary Ebdane, DPWH Region XI Director Jerome Dela Rosa said that they were able to complete the project two months ahead of schedule because of the god weather condition and the strict coordination between the DPWH Region XI Office and the contractor.
“ Knowing the importance of this project especially in the trade and commerce industry not only in Davao City but also in nearby provinces we had strictly monitored the project implementation to assure that it would be completed as soon as possible” Dela Rosa said.
This 206.6 Million bridge replacement project, funded by the DPWH regular infrastructure fund, includes the construction of 170 lineal meter bridge composed of four spans of pre-stressed concrete girders, substructure consists of two abutments and five piers under the contract with CIRIACO Construction Corporation. |
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06/16/08 |
SONA PROJECT BRIEFING |
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 DPWH Region 13 Director Romeo S. Momo briefs DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut on the status of the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road Project, one of the SONA strategic road projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Mindanao. |
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06/16/08 |
SURIGAO ROAD PROJECT |
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 DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. together with Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and Region 13 Director Romeo S. Momo inspect the progress of works on the Tandag-Marihatag Section of the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road Project in Surigao del Sur. |
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06/16/08 |
MINDANAO ROAD PAVING WORKS |
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 DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. together with Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and Region 13 Director Romeo Momo observes paving work activities at the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road Project using concrete paver. The Surigao –Davao Coastal Road is among the SONA Strategic Road Projects of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration in support to the Agribusiness Mindanao Super Region program. |
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06/13/08 |
IMPROVED ROAD IN CANDON CITY INAUGURATION |
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 During the 110th Independence Day Celebration in Candon City, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. led the inauguration of the newly improved Brgy. Calauan - Candon Section of the Manila North Road. With Secretary Ebdane are (left to right) DPWH Region 1 Asst. Director Melvin Navarro, Candon City Mayor Allen Singson, Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Deputy House Speaker Cong. Eric Singson, Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Jerry Singson, DPWH Undersecretary Ramon Aquino and DPWH Region 1 Director Fidel Ginez. |
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06/13/08 |
EBDANE LEADS 110th INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN NORTHERN LUZON |
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 Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. led the flag-raising ceremony during the 110th Independence Day Celebration in Candon City. With Secretary Ebdane are (right to left) Deputy House Speaker Eric Singson, Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Vice Governor Jerry Singson, Candon City Mayor Allen Singson and DPWH Undersecretary Ramon Aquino. |
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06/13/08 |
EBDANE INSPECTS ON-GOING CONSTRUCTION OF DPWH DISTRICT OFFICE |
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 Public Works Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. together with Deputy House Speaker Eric Singson and Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano inspects the on-going construction of the DPWH Ilocos Sur 2nd District Engineering Office (ISSDEO) Building. During the inspection, Ebdane ordered ISS District Engineer Ray Elaydo to complete the project by December this year so that the old office will be formally turned-over to the Condon City Elementary School to help decongest the increasing student population. |
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06/13/08 |
DON ISABELO ABAYA HONORED IN CANDON CITY |
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 During the 110th Independence Day Celebration, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. led the wreath laying ceremony on the statue of Don Isabelo Abaya in the City Plaza of Candon City in Ilocos Sur. Don Isabelo Abaya is the leader of the Candon Revolution that overthrew the Spanish regime in the city and declared the towns independence in March 1898. With Secretary Ebdane are Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano and Deputy House Speaker Eric Singson. |
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06/11/08 |
EBDANE RESHUFFLES DPWH REGIONAL AND FIELD OFFICIALS |
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In line with the recent promotion of Assistant Secretary Jaime C. Pacanan and in the interest of public service pursuant to Executive Order No. 124 series of 1987, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. issued special orders reassigning and designating DPWH regional and field officials to different areas.
Former NCR Angelito M. Twaño is designated OIC-Regional Director of Region 8, the position vacated by ASec. Pacanan while Region IV-A Assistant Regional Director Armando G. Estrella is reassigned to NCR and Region III Assistant Regional Director Jesus E. Salmo to Region IV-A.
Former District Engineer Domingo L. Mariano of Zambales District Engineering Office (DEO) shall assume higher responsibility as the new OIC-ARD of Region III and District Engineer Danilo E. Dequito as OIC-ARD of Region VIII.
Meanwhile, the following district engineering offices of the department are likewise manned by new District Engineers as ordered by Secretary Ebdane: Zamboanga del Norte – Flavia Merilles; Surigao Norte 1st – Arturo Minao; Misamis Oriental – Noel Oclarit; Zamboanga del Sur 3rd – Warfilo Militante; Zamboanga Sibugay – Jose Babas; Negros oriental 1st – Jessie Paquibo; Zambales – Hercules Manglicmot; Laguna Sub – Federico Concepcion; and Camarines Norte – Willard Kenneth Atutubo.
Secretary Ebdane also designated new OIC-Assistant District Engineers: Neil Farala – Zambales DEO; Rellie Ulep – Cagayan 1st DEO; Reynaldo Forto – Isabela 4th and Pio Lomomgsod – General Santos DEO.
The newly designated officials are all directed by Secretary Ebdane to perform their duties and assume the responsibilities appurtenant to the positions assigned to them. |
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06/10/08 |
EBDANE TO LEAD 110TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN CANDON CITY |
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Following the directive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to all cabinet members to participate in the simultaneous celebration of the Philippine Independence Day nationwide, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. will lead the flag-raising and wreath laying activities in Candon City, Ilocos Sur on 12 June 2008.
Secretary Ebdane will offer wreaths at the monuments of Don Isabelo Abaya and Dr. Jose Rizal, afterwhich he will lead the flag raising ceremony together with Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor B. Sevillano, Deputy Speaker Eric D. Singson and Candon City Mayor Allen G. Singson.
Moreover, Secretary Ebdane has been tasked by the President to lead pro-poor /anti-poverty programs and services in Region I. After his presentation of road and infrastructure expansion in Ilocos Sur, it will be followed by his distribution of cash gifts and food items to the recipients of OYSTER Program who came from the poorest of the poor barangays in Region I.
Secretary Ebdane will also deliver an inspirational message before the Candonians to commemorate the “Cry of Candon” or “Ikkis Ti Candon”” which is one of the significant events in Philippine history. It was in March 1898 when Isabelo Abaya led the people of the Ilocos region to fight and successfully overthrew the Spaniards and instigate the freedom and founding of the town. |
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06/06/08 |
DPWH 2ND MAGSAYSAY BRIDGE AND NEW BY-PASS ROAD PROJECT EASE TRAFFIC IN BUTUAN CITY |
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 Motorist and travelers are now enjoying the benefits of the 2nd Magsaysay Bridge and Butuan City By-Pass Road in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Mr. Renato Bautista, a delivery truck driver, who traverses the project everyday, is very grateful to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for giving this SONA project in their place. He added that there is a very big difference when the bridge and by-pass road was not yet constructed. “During our daily travels, we have to queue at the old Magsaysay bridge in order to get to our destinations” he said. “Now, traveling is fast, easier, convenient and most especially no more traffic because of this project”, he added.
According to DPWH CARAGA Regional Director Romeo Momo, the project was constructed to provide a more reliable infrastructure with greater design capacity and safer traffic measures than the existing Old Magsaysay Bridge. The Butuan City Bypass Road has diverted the traffic passing through the core of the city.
“The overall infrastructure project enhances the urban transport needs for commerce and industries in the region by sustaining the efficient flow of people, goods and services among the major growth centers in the eastern part of Mindanao”, he said.
Director Momo added that the by-pass road with 13.124 kilometers length is the longest in Asia. The state-of-the-art 2nd Magsaysay Bridge is 882 meters long. It is a cable-stayed bridge and second of only two kinds in the Philippines. An 84- meter high tower divides the bridge into two spans – 200 meter at the West (longest in the Philippines) and 160 meters at the East. |
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06/05/08 |
DPWH RUSHES THE REHABILITATION OF SURIGAO – DAVAO COASTAL ROAD |
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 Department of Public Works and Highways is now rushing the Rehabilitation of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s SONA Project Surigao-Davao Coastal Road (Jct. Bacuag – Claver Section).
Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. instructed Project Director Maximo J. Carvajal of the DPWH-IBRD-PMO to work double time and take advantage of the favorable good weather condition in order to meet the project’s 540-calendar days contract time.
According to Project Engineer German M. Pagdonsolan, they already have an accomplishment of 11.25% or +0.3 % ahead of schedule. He said that the project has many advantages and benefits to offer, among them: more transport vehicles will travel back and forth; neighboring towns of Claver will find it easier to travel going to Claver and back to their destinations; and, more goods are transported because of the improvement of accessibility.
“The project has provided more jobs since we have followed the agreement between DPWH, the Contractor and the LGUs of Claver and its neighboring towns to employ workers coming from those towns, which was our number one priority”, Engr. Pagdonsolan said.
Moreover, he said, that with the project, more vehicles are using/consuming fuels which in turn generate more revenue to the concerned municipalities. Local residents even bought more vehicles since they actually see that the highway is being improved.
Engineer Jose T. Paril, Project Manager of the contractor CM Pancho Const. Inc. said that reactions from people are all positive. Motorists and travelers are very happy for on the realization of this project. The municipal Mayor of Claver town even commended the Contractor, CM Pancho Const., Inc., for the speedy implementation of the project.
Barangay Captain Ricardo B. Bayeta of Barangay Daywan is very grateful to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for giving this project to their town which is most beneficial especially to his barangay and its people. He is very optimistic on the early completion of the project. He said that they do not want to experience again the old times wherein traveling then was very hard and inconvenient especially during heavy rains. |
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06/04/08 |
DPWH INSPECTION ON DAMAGED BRIDGE APPROACHES IN REGION 6 |
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 Public Works Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. discusses with Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and DPWH Region 6 Director Rolando Asis the repair works on the damaged Bridge approaches of Suage Bridge along Ilo-Ilo-Capiz Road. The bridge approaches damaged were due to heavy flow of water along the Malosgod Creek. |
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06/04/08 |
DPWH RUSHES PGMA SONA PROJECT |
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 Department of Public Works and Highways IBRD-PMO works overtime for the completion of the Surigao-Davao Road Project (Jct. Bacuag-Claver Section), a SONA project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. |
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06/04/08 |
SECRETARY EBDANE BRIEFS PRES. GLORIA ARROYO |
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 Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. briefs President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the details of Ibajay Bridge Project during its inauguration. |
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06/04/08 |
INAUGURATION OF IBAJAY BRIDGE |
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 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham, Ibajay town Mayor Maria Lourdes Miraflores, Aklan Congressman Florencio Miraflores and Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez led the inaugural drive on the newly completed Ibajay Bridge in Aklan. Ibajay Bridge is one of the bridge projects included under the DPWH Special and Urgent Bridges program. |
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06/03/08 |
BUTUAN CITY IS NOW FLOOD-FREE |
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 Butuan City and its surrounding towns in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur are now free from floods because of the Lower Agusan Deveopment Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Mang Ador (Mr. Dominador Sajulga), resident and tricycle driver, expressed gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the project. Now, he said, they can sleep soundly because they don’t worry of floods anymore even during heavy rains and strong typhoons. On top of that, traffic in the area is now smooth and free-flowing because of the completed viaduct and cut-off channel bridge, which makes his livelihood of being a tricycle driver more productive.
The project is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in CARAGA Region. It is being implemented by the Cotabato-Agusan River Basin Development Project-Project Management Office (CARBDP-PMO) under Project Director Philip F. Meñez.
DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane said that the project is constructed because there was an immediate need to relieve the urban and sub-urban areas of Butuan City from the recurrent flood inundation in the East Bank and West Bank of the Agusan River which is the 3rd largest river in the Philippines.
According to Engineer Roger Ang, Project Manager of CARBDP-PMO, three packages of the project are already completed. These are: Package 1 – Agusan River Improvement, Cut-off Channel and Tumampi Vehicular Bridge; Package II – Construction of Magsaysay Viaduct and Cut-Off Channel Bridge; and Package III – Improvement of Banza River and Land Improvement/Construction of Resettlement Area.
Engr. Ang added that the project is very important and most beneficial to Butuan City and its people because before, when the viaduct and river dike are not yet constructed, the national highway was submerged up to 3 kilometer from the old Magsaysay Bridge that caused transportation totally paralyzed during heavy rains This happened every 2 – 3 years and recently every year. With the project, the floodwater is now confined, and with the viaduct, no need to stop or divert the flow of vehicular traffic.
Engr. Ang also stressed the economic and social impact provided by the project. Business activities and establishments in the area sprawled like mushroom because businessmen are now investing more since they know that Butuan City will experience flooding no more. Agricultural areas are also protected from floods. And people are worry free because they are protected also by the flood control project. |
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For more
information, contact :
Public Information
Division
Phone: 304-3532 |
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