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Due to heavy rains brought by typhoon “Igme” the Department of Public Works and Highways in Northern Luzon reported the closure of four major road network because of land and boulderslides. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. DPWH Bureau of Maintenance Director Luis Mamitag said in Cordillera Region the Baay Bridge along Abra - Kalinga Road is unpassable due to the swelling of Baay River, while Ambalading Section and Salacoop Bridge along Acop-Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun Road and Man-sok Section of Abatan-Buguias-Kabayan Road is also closed to traffic because of boulder slides. In Region 1 the Junction Santiago-Banayoyo-Lidlidda-San Emilio Quirino Road is also closed to traafic because of landslide. “ The DPWH regional and district disaster maintenance crew are now deployed and conducting clearing operations, warning and directional signs are also installed to warning incoming motorists” Mamitag added. Meanwhile, due to heavy rains in Northern Mindanao the Awang-Upi-Labak Road, Olandang and Datu Sajid Piang Bridge along Midsayap-Makar Road is still closed to traffic due to flooding, while the Dulawan-Marbel Road in Sultan Kudarat is alo unpassable due to swelling of Allah River. The DPWH Region 12 Office has already deployed maintenance crew and barge equipped with backhoe/floater to conduct machine clearing of water lilies to assure the smooth flow of flood water. In Zamboanga City, the collapse 60 meter portion of the national road along Brgy. Victoria and Daap is now passable. The DPWH Region 9 Office maintenance crew and local government engineering office has already completed the construction of a temporary diversion road to assure the continues flow of traffic.

07/30/08

VALDERAMA BRIDGE OPENS TO TRAFFIC

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One of major bridges in Antique Province damaged by typhoon Frank is now open to vehicular traffic after the Department of Public Works and Highways completed the massive repair works. DPWH Region 6 Director Rolando Asis reported to Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in-charge of Visayas operation, that the installation of bailey panels to replace washed out three (3) spans of old Valderama Bridge along Bugasong-Valderama Road in Antique was completed. Asis said that prior to the damaged of the old Valderama Bridge, the affected bridge serves as a detour of the presently being constructed United Kingdom assisted bridge project adjacent to the structure. About P5 million was spent for the installation of bailey panels. Earlier, Secretary Ebdane has directed Director Asis to immediately prepare plans for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in Western Visayas Region. Asis said that most of the bridges with minor damage are now open to light vehicles at the end of June and early July 2008 following the immediate repair of washed out or damaged approaches. Bridges in Iloilo which are now passable include Jalaur Bridge in Calinog; Suage Bridge in Janiuay; Kantil Box Culvert in Badiangan; Inguan and Tacuyong Detour Bridges in Leon; Binanua-an Bridge in Guimbal; and Tiolas and Ambuyu-an Bridges in San Joaquin. Other bridges in Western Visayas that were earlier unpassable following the onslaught of typhoon "Frank" but were immediately repaired are the following: San Roque Bridge, Libertad, Antique; Dalanas Bridge, Barbaza, Antique; Tibiao Bridge, Tibiao, Antique; Guinbanggaan Bridge, Lauan, Antique; Asluman Bridge, Hamtic, Antique; Sibalom and Initan Bridges in Sibalom, Antique; Libonan Bridge, San Remegio, Antique; and Balusbos and Ibajay (old) and Bridges in Aklan. Asis said the prompt restoration of the bridge is attributed to the immediate release of fund as directed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during a Cabinet Meeting held in Iloilo City. With bridging materials already delivered on site to heavily damaged bridges of Tigum and Imelda Marcos Bridges in Cabatuan, Iloilo, the installation of bailey bridge as temporary passage is expected to be completed by end of August 2008. Undersecretary Yabut has also instructed DPWH Region 6 to improve the alternate routes, hasten the preparation of engineering design for permanent replacement bridges and continue the cleaning and clearing of roads from muds to prevent travel inconvenience and prevent accidents.

07/30/08

DPWH SPEEDS UP COMPLETION OF CEBU NORTH COASTAL ROAD PROJECT

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Considering its importance in the fast growing economy of Cebu Province, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the fast track implementation of the Cebu North Coastal Road Project Phase 1 in Mandaue City. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, in charge of DPWH Visayas Operation, said that the Phase 1 of the project is now 72.9% complete. “ The Cebu North Coastal Road Project is one of the components of the Industrial Corridor Link of Cebu Province, which other sections are included under the Metro Cebu Development Project II and III” Yabut said. Yabut also said that once completed this road project will improve the infrastructure facilities especially in Mandaue City and municipalities of Consolacion and Liloan which is now one of the major towns that are considered as an alternative business investment area because Cebu City is now a congested business metropolis. Cebu Coastal Road project is divided into two packages, package 1 includes Phase one and two; Phase 1 involves the civil works in preparation for the construction of bridge and approaches; Phase 2 includes the construction of Cansaga Bridge and approaches while Package 2 includes the construction of roads including the Suba Bridge, Tayud Underpass and Pedestrian Overpass. Included in the SONA Project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Package 1 is at the moment sourced from the regular Infrastructure fund while Package II is now being processed by the National Economic Development Authority for foreign loan financing. The total cost of the entire project is P2.3 Billion. In 2007, President Arroyo released a total of P55 Million for the road right-of-way acquisition and P45 Million for the civil works. For this year, the amount of P400 Million has been allocated to cover the continuation of the construction of Cansaga Bridge and approaches, consultancy services and administration cost. The remaining balance will be distributed on 2009 (P999.2 Million) and 2010 (P809.4 Million) for the remaining road right-of-way payments and the completion of the entire project before the end of President Arroyo’s term on 2010.

07/25/08

PROJECT BRIEFING ON DPWH CAMANAVA FLOOD CONTROL

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DPWH CAMANAVA Flood Control Project Director Carla Bartolo briefs Senate Committee on Public Works Chairman Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr. on the status of the vital project. Bartolo also explained to Senator Revilla that the integration of the local drainage system to the project’s flood control system would be very beneficial.

07/22/08

DPWH GEARS UP REHABILITATION EFFORTS ON PANAY ISLAND

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A total of 28 typhoon affected bridges out of 35 unpassable bridges were now accessible to motorists as the Department of Public Works and Highways reported its continued rehabilitation efforts on damaged infrastructure in Western Visayas. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Region VI Director Rolando Asis said that a total of P1.8 Billion or 35 bridges and 26 road sections were reported unpassable after the onslaught of typhoon ‘Frank’. With the directive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to immediately restore the damage roads and bridges 28 bridges are now passable and seven were provided with alternate routes and/or footbridges. All road sections are now also passable in the region. “ We are still providing assistance to the local government and the provincial disaster coordinating council in conducting clearing operations on heavily land and mudslide affected towns and barangays” Asis said. Asis also said that the immediate restoration of the damaged road and bridges are vital to assure the immediate delivery of relief goods to major evacuation areas. The DPWH is now undertaking the preliminary works for the design of permanent replacement for those bridges that were totally destroyed. Asis also added that feasibility studies are now undertaken on how to upgrade infrastructure to mitigate the effects that may result if flood of the same magnitude will be again encountered. Meanwhile. Aklan District Engineer Robert Cabigas proposed for the reactivation of the moth-balled Aklan River Basin Development to mitigate flooding in Aklan province. Aklan is the hardest hit province in Pasay when Aklan River overflowed to the capital towns of Kalibo and other low-lying municipalities. “ The only office equipment left operational in our office is the wall clock,” Cabigas said as he reported the need of P 70.8 Million for the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure in Aklan.

07/21/08

DPWH COMPLETES P 40.9 MILLION BRIDGE PROJECT IN EASTERN SAMAR

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Improving the rural road network to promote economic development and improve the living condition especially in far flung areas, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the completion of the Sto. Niño Bridge in Gandara, Eastern Samar. During the inauguration of the newly completed bridge project, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. reported to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that the Sto Niño bridge is vital for the socio-economic development plan for the municipalities of Gandara as it serves as an access route to the remote municipalities of Matuguinao, Sta Margarita, San Jorge and Pagsanghan. “ With the completion of this bridge project, the farmers from Gandara will now have an easier access to major trading posts in their nearby municipalities” Ebdane added. Ebdane also said that this bridge project will also improve the illiteracy rate of the students in the municipality of Gandara as it connects the existing road network to the schools in the nearby municipalities. This P40.9 Million bridge project involves the construction of 1,815 meter of reinforce concrete deck girders, 227.145 lineal meter of bridge approach, 72.95 meter of superstructure, stone masonry and slope protection works. The project was initially started by the Eastern Samar provincial office but due to limited funds and with its importance, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo allotted the remaining needed funds thus the remaining works was implemented by the DPWH Region 8 Office and Samar 1st District Engineering Office.

07/18/08

P 70.8 MILLION NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR OF DAMAGED INFRA IN AKLAN

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Taking immediate measures to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure in Aklan Province brought by typhoon ‘Frank’, the Department of Public Works and Highways had reported the completion of its program of works for the restoration and clearing operation on all damaged roads, bridges and other structures in the said province. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, in charge of DPWH Visayas operation, DPWH Aklan District Engineer Robert Cabigas said that a total of P65.8 million is needed for the repair of damaged infrastructure while P5 Million is needed for the removal of mud and silt along national roads in the capital town of Kalibo. The largest needed appropriation is P30 Million for the repair and rehab of Tambak Seawall, in New Washington followed by the P15 Million needed for the repair of national road in Gibon Section and P10 Million for the damaged Tolingon Section along Nabas-Malay Road in Nabas. “ We have already forwarded the approved program of work to the DPWH Central Office for the release of the needed funds so that we can immediately start with the rehabilitation works” Cabigas said. Cabigas also added that they are constantly coordinating with the various local government units to make the available resources and make palliative repairs and developing alternate routes on damaged national roads to assure the continuous flow of traffic. Meanwhile, Cabigas also reported the needed P24.7 Million fund for the repair of damaged DPWH-Aklan Engineering District. The 143 kilometer per hour winds with heavy rains and mudflow had ripped off the DPWH Aklan District Engineering Office Conference Hall Building damaging the furnitures and computer units of the Planning and Design Section, while the Construction and Maintenance division office is under chest deep water and mud. “The programmed repair works for our office includes the increase in the elevation of our building to assure that it will not be again reached by floodwater” Cabigas added.

07/17/08

DPWH-PBP RESPONSE TEAM HELPS REMOVE WATER LILIES IN COTABATO

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Removal of water lilies and grass debris clogging Pulangi River Section of the Rio Grande de Mindanao continue to make progress as the Department of Public Works and Highways-President’s Bridge Program (DPWH-PBP) Emergency Response Team boost the DPWH Region 12 and Local Government Units effort to clear blocked waterways in Cotabato City. The DPWH-President’s Bridge Program Emergency Response Team and dredging equipment sent by Director Emil Sadain upon instruction of Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. augmented the limited available equipment of DPWH Region 12 and local government of Cotabato City in clearing the estimated seven (7) hectares wide water lilies and grass roots that converge following the heavy rains triggered by typhoon “Frank”. Sadain said that workers continued to make progress as cranes, excavators, and dump trucks works double time to boost the concerted removal activities. A floating barge component (12 modular parts) with 18 tons backhoe is being utilize to creep on, reaching to completely cleanse the mid part of the river in 10 days time, Sadain added. Ebdane said that collective efforts from various sectors are seen working together to split off the water lilies about a meter thick of roots beneath the surface of the river. In the past week, the clearing efforts by the DPWH Region 12, Cotabato City government and its residents were continuously on-going but not tantamount to unclogged the Pulangi River which can be aggravated by the influx of an enormous quantity of flashed water lilies cast on the river. The blocking held by the alternate delta bridge somehow mitigates the rapid inflow of mass and thick rooted water lilies, which can severely damage or collapse the old Quirino Bridge, directly massing underneath the bridge mid pier. The terrible mass of water lilies led to widespread flooding into as many barangays and low level areas of Cotabato City in Central Mindanao.

07/10/08

DPWH COMPLETES INSTALLATION OF ROAD SAFETY SIGNS IN EASTERN SAMAR

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To assure round the clock safety of motorists and the traveling public along the national roads in Eastern Samar, the Department of Public Works and Highways completed the installation of warnings signages and information posts in the said province. DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in charge of Visayas operations said that the Eastern Samar Road network is one of the critical roads in Region 8 because it is located along the typhoon belt of our country, the provision of these vital road signs and informative posts would ensure the safety of the motorists. “ We prioritize this critical road network because it is prone to landslides and rockslides to avoid the occurrence of road accidents” Yabut added. Among the municipalities and cities that were included in the installation of warning signs are Borongan City, St. John, Arteche, Balabangiga, Balangkayan, Can Avid, Dolores, Gen. Mac Arthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Hernani, Jipatad, Lawaan, Llorente, Maslog, Maydulong, Mercedes, Oras, Quinapondan, Calcedo, San Julian, San Policarpo, Sulat and Taft. This P50 Million worth of traffic signs and posts installed and posts convey specific messages in road safety. They regulate, warn or guide road users, drivers and pedestrian alike, and thus make roads safer to travel.

07/09/08

DPWH TO START NAUTICAL HIGHWAY PROJECT IN NORTHERN CEBU

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In support with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s thrust in cutting down the travel time of cargo trucks going in and out of the Visayas region, the Department of Public Works and Highways will start this month the construction of the Bogo-Curva-Medellin-Daanbantayan-Maya Road in Northern Cebu. In his report to Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. DPWH Region VII Director Josefino Rigor said that the project was recently awarded to the contractor and it would be finished within four months. “ This project will not only complement with the Nautical Highway Program of President Arroyo but it will also greatly contribute in the tourism industry because Northern Cebu is known for its island beaches and coastal resorts” Rigor added. Mr. Elver Ali Abucay, Chairman of Brgy. Maya in Bantayan said that the concreting of their national road would not only improve the accessibility in their barangay but it would also provide employment opportunities among the residents because their barangay is the entry point of the RoRo Port that is being constructed by the Philippine Ports Authority, and it is only the access road going to the island of Malapasqua which is one of the major tourist destinations in Cebu. For CY 2008, this P41 Million road project involves the concreting of 3,032 lineal meters of road which is programmed to be completed by November this year.

07/08/08

MORE BRIDGES IN PANAY NOW PASSABLE

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State’s engineering and construction arm Department of Public Works and Highways expects to open to vehicular traffic more of the damaged bridges in Panay Island by end of July 2008 as the agency continues to conduct round-the-clock repair activities. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. and Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, in-charge of Visayas operation, DPWH Region 6 Director Rolando Asis said that most of the bridges with minor damages were open to lighter vehicles at the end of June following the immediate repair of washed out or damaged approaches. Bridges in Iloilo which are now passable include Jalaur Bridge in Calinog; Suage Bridge in Janiuay; Kantil Box Culvert in Badiangan; Inguan and Tacuyong Detour Bridges in Leon; Binanua-an Bridge in Guimbal; and Tiolas and Ambuyu-an Bridges in San Joaquin. Other bridges in Western Visayas that were earlier unpassable following the onslaught of typhoon “Frank” but were immediately repaired are the following: San Roque Bridge, Libertad, Antique; Dalanas Bridge, Barbaza, Antique; Tibiao Bridge, Tibiao, Antique; Guinbanggaan Bridge, Lauan, Antique; Asluman Bridge, Hamtic, Antique; Sibalom and Initan Bridges in Sibalom, Antique; Libonan Bridge, San Remegio, Antique; and Balusbos and Ibajay (old) and Bridges in Aklan. Director Asis said that bridging materials were already delivered on site to heavily damaged bridges of Tigum and Imelda Marcos Bridges in Cabatuan, Iloilo and Valderama Bridge in Antique and preparation of craneway are on-going for the installation of bailey bridge as temporary passage which is expected to be completed by end of August 2008. Secretary Ebdane has also instructed DPWH Region 6 to improve the alternate routes and hasten the preparation of engineering design for permanent replacement bridges. Funding requirement for repair and restoration of damaged bridges including box culverts in Panay Island is estimated at P275 million.

07/08/08

DPWH ACCELERATES WORKS ON CEBU SUBWAY PROJECT

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In support with the fast growing economy of Cebu City, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported the fast track implementation of the Segment 3B-2, Subway Section of the Cebu South Coastal Road Project. In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., DPWH Metro Cebu Development Project Director Nilo Pamaylaon said that the subway section is now 40.48% complete. “The completion of this subway project will provide direct access to the southern reclamation area which is now a highly industrial zone, catering to the export processing, investment opportunities, business district and international container port in Cebu City” Pamaylaon said. The project involves the construction of 610 meter twin box 4-lane tunnel that passes underneath the Park Plaza Independencia which is located beside the famous Fort San Pedro and existing Sergio Osmeña Road. Meanwhile, Mr. Paul Villarete, City Planning and Development Coordinator of Cebu City said that since the DPWH had completed the first four packages of the Cebu South Coastal Road project, investors had poured in within the Cebu South Reclamation Project which greatly contributed in the fast growing economy of Cebu City. “ Eventhough that the project is not yet fully completed because of the remaining works in the tunnel section, we are already experiencing the advantages of this new road network because since the DPWH had opened the Talisay Section, Causeway Section, Viaduct Section and the Offshore ramps the traffic in the Cebu metropolis was greatly reduced because of the new alternate road” Villarete added. According to Mr. Isoji Matsui, Project Manager of the Katahira & Engineers International, consultant of the project, the contractor is experiencing some delays in boring sheet piles because of concrete boulders underneath due to old structures such as seawalls but they preparing a catch up measures to complete the project by June 2009.

07/02/08

EBDANE ORDERS ROUND-THE-CLOCK WORK

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Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. has directed round-the-clock work in the reconstruction and repair of bridges in Iloilo and other Panay Provinces severely affected by typhoon “Frank”. He instructed DPWH Region 6 Director Rolando Asis to ensure the immediate restoration of flow of traffic through installation of bailey panels on affected bridges. Ebdane also reminded Asis and Assistant Director Juby Cordon to safeguard steel bridging components of affected bridges as it can be utilized for the construction of temporary bridges. The DPWH Chief in a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other Cabinet and Western Visayas local officials reported that the agency has immediately acted on the ground the day after he, Iloilo 3rd District Representative Arthur Defensor and DPWH Undersecretary for Visayas Operation Rafael C. Yabut conducted physical inspection by ordering the shipment of bridging materials procured in Manila which has already arrived in Panay Island. Ebdane said that about 100 bailey panel available in Iloilo and 200 more from other island were earlier dispatch for the construction of temporary and detour bridges. The installation of temporary bridges will be completed by the end of July 2008. Hastily being done is repair of alternate routes, damaged slope protection and approaches, road slides and cuts, and road carriageway and pavement. According to the DPWH-Region 6 Office, about P1.8 billion is needed to rehabilitate and repair infrastructure damaged by the typhoon including some P315 million immediate remedial repair funds to restore vehicular traffic. Among the major damaged bridges in Iloilo are Tigum and Imelda Marcos Bridges in Cabatuan; Ulian Bridge in Lambunao; Magapa Bridge in Janiuay; Baltazar Aquino Bridge in Leon; Macapagal-Syjuco Friendship Bridge in Alimodian; and Camangahan and Pitogo Bridges in Guimbal. Heavily damaged bridge in Antique includes Valderama Bridge along Bugasong-Valderama Road, Laures Bridge, and Bugo Bridge in San Remegio, Antique. The DPWH has also extended assistance in the clearing and removal of muds in Aklan, Antique and Capiz with the deployment of crew and equipment.

07/02/08

ENGINEERING MEASURES

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Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. illustrates the engineering remedial measures to be taken on damaged bridges in Western Visayas Region brought about by typhoon “Frank”. Looking on are (from right) DPWH-Major Flood Control-Cluster 1 Director Patrick Gatan, PMO-Urgent Bridges Construction Project and President’s Bridge Program Executive Director Emil Sadain, Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Region 6 Director Rolando Asis, and Assistant Secretary Jaime Pacanan.

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Phone: 304-3532

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