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Region VIII - News Archive 2011
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09/16/11 |
SAMAR CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD REHABILITATED |
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 The DPWH Eastern Samar District Engineering Office has recently completed the rehabilitation of the Bacayawan-Cansilides Section of the Samar-Pacific Circumferential Road. This P38 Million road project was completed two months ahead of schedule due to the additional mobilization of manpower and equipment. |
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08/05/11 |
SAMAR PEACE AND PROSPERITY ROADS TO START SOON |
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 New roads dubbed as “Peace and Prosperity Roads” will soon start this year to arrest insurgency problem in Samar.
Following the instruction of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, the DPWH Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office undertook preliminary survey in identified “Peace and Prosperity Roads”.
Subject of the preliminary surveys and considered part of the peace and prosperity roads are the 35 kilometers San Isidro-Lope de Vega Road , 9.8 kilometers Bangkerohan-Galutan-Imelda-Hinatad-Mckinley Road, and 20 kilometers Trujillo-Duran-Gemaraganan Road in Northern Samar.
Two (2) more roads namely the 12.1 kilomerers Polangi-Gebulwangan-Quezon-Trangue-Mabini Road, and 13.5 kilomers Colab-og – Lugib – Buenasuerte – Pasabuena – Maxvilla Road are also included in the Samar Peace and Prosperity Roads.
Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis said that detailed engineering will immediately be carried out following the completion of the pre-construction survey which will be undertaken by the Regional Office and Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office.
The new roads will be all weather gravel that will connect the hinterlands of Samar Island where at present people are experiencing difficulty to travel to the centers of trade and commerce.
Realization of these road projects will also facilitate generation of employment in the project area.
The DPWH in close coordination with the Regional Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment has adopted a community based employment program of hiring unskilled and skilled workers from the local community where the projects are located. |
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08/04/11 |
DPWH TO CONSTRUCT RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS
IN 26 SCHOOLS IN EASTERN VISAYAS |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is spearheading the construction of rainwater collection systems in public schools in support of President Benigno S. Aquino III administration’s climate change adaptation program.
Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the Philippine government seeks to combat the diminishing fresh water supply due to over extraction of groundwater, water pollution, inefficient water infrastructure, and prolong dry season by promoting water conservation.
The priorities for this project are schools without access to potable water facilities. However, if there is no public school compound qualified, public markets may be considered as a second option.
In Eastern Visayas, about twenty six (26) initial public schools will benefit with the construction of rain water collection systems that also promote water conservation among the students.
The projects intended for Region 8 is part of the P38.4 million nationwide allocation to push through an adequate water supply as mandated in Republic Act 6716 signed into law on March 1989.
The initial P38 million nationwide budget will be distributed to the more than 180 DPWH district engineering offices nationwide.
According to DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis, the project is ideal in Eastern Visayas especially that the region experienced a lot of rains and many schools don’t have enough water supply for cleaning purposes.
A memorandum was signed between DPWH and Department of Education to ensure proper maintenance of water collection facility to be constructed.
Water collection systems will be set up in Vicente Gorgonia Elementary School in Tacloban City; Higatangan National High School in Naval in Biliran; elementary schools in Caghalo, Baruguhay, Manloy, Sta. Fe, and Tangna in Carigara, Leyte; Villaba North Central School, Cahigan Elementary School, and Libagong Elementary School in Villaba, Leyte; Calubian Central School in Calubian, Leyte; Brgy. Candelaria Elementary School in Matag-ob, Leyte; Brgy. Tugbong Central School in Kananga, Leyte; San Vicente Elementary School in Alangalang, Leyte; San Antonio Public School in Palo, Leyte; Canap Public School in San Miguel, Leyte; San Vicente Elementary School in Tolosa, Leyte.
Also included are Panan-awan Elementary School, Tomoy-tomoy Elementary School, and Butuan Elementary School in Maasin City; San Joaquin Elementary School in Calbayog City; Catarman II Central School and Bangkerohan Elementary School in Catarman. Northern Samar; Rawis National High School and P. M GETA Elementary School in Laoang, Northern Samar.
Among the types of rainwater collection system is the reinforced concrete ground storage tank that has a capacity of 8,000 liters of water, reinforced steel ground storage tank with 4,000 liters capacity, plastic container tank with 4,000 liters and the concrete stage storage tank with 60,000 liters capacity. |
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08/03/11 |
BY-PASS ROAD PROJECT IN PALO, LEYTE NOW ON ITS COMPLETION PHASE |
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Concreting works has commenced for the remaining 407 lineal meter gravel portion of the Palo East By-Pass Road Project in Palo, Leyte.
The concrete paving project of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as an alternate route for motorists going to Luzon and Mindanao, is anticipated to ease traffic congestion along Bernard Reed Bridge I.
Under phase 4 or completion stage of the Palo East By-Pass Road which has a programmed amount of P18.5 Million for the concrete paving activity also includes the channelization of entrance with 4 turn-outs for both sides/ends of route at Barangay Salvacion, Palo, Leyte
The construction of Palo East By-Pass Road project located at Brgy. Baras, Palo, Leyte is part of the DPWH Arterial Road Links Development Project started sometime in 2007 by the DPWH Region 8 at an initial amount of P60 Million.
In 2009, Phase 2 which covers the concrete paving of about 476 lineal meters gravel road, 6.7 meters wide and 0.23 meter thick, construction of about 58 lineal meters slab of the bridge, channelization of island at Brgy. Baras, Palo, Leyte was completed at a cost of P20 million.
The concreting of 609 lineal meters roadway from Abutment “B” to Brgy. Salvacion, Palo, Leyte with with exceptions was completed in September 2010 under the P31 Million project appropriation.
The construction of by-pass roads is among the government’s program to alleviate heavy traffic congestion problem in heavily travelled corridors.
Smooth and convenient travel along the Palo East By-Pass Road will also contribute to the socio-economic development of the area. |
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08/03/11 |
LEYTE BRIDGE REPAIR WORKS COMPLETED |
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Rehabilitation works for the 20 year old Mainit bridge along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road, in Alangalang, Leyte has been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In his report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis said that the P15 Million rehabilitation and strengthening of the 3 spans or 77.10 lineal meters composite I-beam of Mainit Bridge was already completed.
The rehabilitation project undertaken by ACME Builders Corporation will ensure safe and convenient travel for road users.
Prior to the repair works, corrosion on the steel members of the bridge were noted including missing of some bolts, and severe corrosion of bottom chord of the steel beam particularly at the left portion of pier 1.
Further structural analysis at the then old bridge has revealed breaking up of some of the welded portion of the steel members causing a portion of the left lane of bridge deck to settle by approximately six (6) inches and scouring at the riverbed.
Funding for the immediate rehabilitation were taken from the FY 2010 General Appropriations Act specifically under the funds for the rehabilitation/replacement of damaged bridges along national roads.
Palo-Carigara-Orrmoc Road is one of the roads of strategic importance in Eastern Visayas connecting Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas.
The improvement of Mainit Bridge now enables the faster delivery of goods and services between Tacloban City and Ormoc City. |
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08/02/11 |
EASTERN VISAYAS ADOPTS COCONET BIO-ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
FOR INFRA PROJECTS |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is vigorously pursuing the application of coco nets and coir to stabilize slopes along the national highways in Eastern Visayas Region.
DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis is proposing a P32.9 million budget to finance about 58 projects in the region with an estimated area application of 208,205 square meters that require this bio-engineering technology.
Asis said that he has instructed all the District Engineers of Region 8 to put coco nets in all areas of the national roads where it is needed.
Of the 58 projects, sixteen (16) are in Southern Leyte, fifteen (15) in Leyte, twelve (12) in Northern Samar, seven (7) in Eastern Samar, six (6) in Samar, and two in Biliran.
Southern Leyte and Leyte have the most number of proposed projects due to unstable soil conditions attributing to occurrence of landslide especially during rainy season.
Coco nets will help a lot in slope stabilization, soil conditioning, soil erosion prevention and river bank protection. Installation of coco coir will be prioritized roadsides of national highway with steep slope, added Asis.
Earlier, Secretary Rogelio Singson said that instead of concrete creeksides and embankments, coco nets made from coconut husks are to be tapped to prevent landslides.
Coco nets are derived from the fibrous husks of coconuts. The fiber extracted from discarded coconut husks, which is commonly called coco coir, has to undergo further twining and weaving for it to become a geotextile.
Under the system, coco fiber nets are laid on the eroded area and initially, grasses are planted. The coco fiber will hold the grasses that will prevent the land from eroding and being washed away during rainfall.
After about three (3) to six (6) months, vegetation can already be seen. This will make the soil more stable.
The realization of these projects to many people in the area will benefit in terms of labor in the installation of coco nets and processing of raw materials in communities.
Secretary Singson said that adoption of this bio-engineering technology will not just mitigate problems during natural calamities but will also improve the lives of people in the rural area. |
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08/01/11 |
MOA CONCURRENCE |
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 Representative Lucy Marie Torrez-Gomez signs the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Public Works and Highways and the local government of the Municipalities of Isabel and Palompon for the replacement of Raquiza Bridge under the DPWH President’s Bridge Program. The low structure of Raquiza Bridge would cause water to overflow and a bridge with higher elevation is needed to replace the existing concrete bridge. |
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08/01/11 |
DPWH-LEYTE LGU SIGNS MOA FOR RAQUIZA BRIDGE REPLACEMENT |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Local Government Units of Leyte to paved way for the replacement of old Raquiza Bridge linking the municipalities of Isabel and Palompon in the 4th Congressional Distrit of Leyte.
Signing the memorandum of agreement are DPWH President’s Bridge Program Office (PBPO) Director Oscar Villanueva, DPWH Leyte 4th District Engineer Lino Francisco C. Gonzales, and Mayors Saturnino Medina and Ramon Onate of the municipalities of Isabel and Palompon, respectively.
The old concrete Raquiza Bridge has outlived its service life and design standard since due to its low structure and with the construction of elevated concrete roads, the bridge has easily submerged in flood water.
Also because of the low elevation of the existing bridge, logs and debris carried by the flowing river are trapped by the structure causing the water to overflow and the road way unpassable.
The signing of memorandum of agreement between DPWH PBP and the concerned local government units duly concurred by Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez towards partnership in project implementation will facilitate the realization of the construction of a new 28.8 lineal meters two (2) lane steel bridge.
According to Region 8 Director Rolando Asis, flooding at Raquiza Bridge and the clogged up debris had always been a perennial problem of the DPWH Leyte 4th District Engineering Office, especially during the rainy season and heavy downpours.
The replacement of Raquiza Bridge has become a priority project of DPWH since it had posed danger to the safety of the residents of the area and the traveling public.
The proposed project is also in pursuant to President Benigno S. Aquino III administration’s program of sustained economic growth and poverty reduction.
DPWH under the leadership of Secretary Rogelio L. Singson targets over the medium term 2011-2016 the reconstruction of 10,600 lineal meters of existing old permanent bridges and undertake repairs/rehabilitations of about 104,293 lineal meters in consonance with the sectoral goal of safe environment through infrastructure facilities.
During the construction, a detour bridge and passage will also be constructed to ease the flow of traffic while the two lane new bridge is underway. |
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08/01/11 |
DPWH FORMS RESETTLMENT TEAM
FOR MCC-FUNDED SAMAR ROAD PROJECT |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formed an Implementation Team for the effective implementation and completion of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) of the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funded Wright-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan Road or Samar Road Rehabilitation Project.
Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that formation of the RAP Implementation Team will ensure the effective implementation and completion of the resettlement action plan for the Samar Road Rehabilitation Project which is part of MCC’s Secondary National Roads Development Project at least one (1) month before the civil works start which is set on June 2012 for sections A1 and B1, September 2012 for Sections A2 and B2, and December 2012 for Sections A3 and B3.
Through better RAP plan specifying the procedures it will follow and the actions it will take to properly resettle and compensate affected people and communities, the adverse effects of government projects are properly mitigated, added Secretary Singson.
The RAP Implementation Team will be headed by Director Criste Z. Navida of the DPWH Environmental Social Services Office with Samar 2nd District Engineer Nestor L. Pagasartonga and Eastern Samar District Engineer Pacita C. Gavan acting as Assistant Team leaders for Package A with eight (8) other members and Package B also composed of eight (8) other members, respectively.
The Team will undertake formation and orientation of the Municipal Resettlement Implementation Committee and disclosure of the Resettlement Policy Framework to the stakeholders and Local Government Officials.
They will also spearhead the conduct of orientation on the resettlement policy framework, resettlement action plans, grievance mechanism and monitoring as well as assist the resettlement team consultants in the tagging/delineation of affected areas/cost estimates/consultation meetings with project affected persons, and disclosure of an process payment of compensation package.
The Samar Road Rehabilitation Project costing 214 Million U.S. dollars is among the three (3) grant projects by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a federal corporation of the United States, to help facilitate poverty reduction through economic growth in the Philippines.
DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut said that the rehabilitation of about 220-kilometer road connecting Samar and Eastern Samar including improvement of the road from Borongan City, Eastern Samar’s capital, to a tourist destination in Guiuan municipality will be supervised by the Millennium Challenge Account – Philippines (MCA-P) supported by the DPWH Project Management Office for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (DPWH-PMO-MCC).
The road that will be rehabilitated cuts through the town of Paranas in Samar as well as Taft, Sulat, San Julian, Borongan, Maydolong, Llorente, Hernani, Gen. MacArthur, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes and Guiuan in Eastern Samar. |
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07/26/11 |
DPWH STILL HAS TO COMPLETE ACQUISITION OF RROW FOR US-FUNDED SAMAR ROAD PROJECT |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways is waiting for the detailed engineering design from the Millennium Challenge Account Philippines (MCAP) in the rehabilitation of US –funded Samar Road for them to complete the acquisition of road right-of-way.
Initially, the infrastructure agency has already acquired some area needed for road expansion a project but they can’t completed the said activity with the absence of detailed design from the implementing agency, said DPWH Regional Director Rolando M. Asis.
In whole project work, MCAP is tasked to prepare the detailed engineering design, undertake the bidding process, procurement and actual implementation. Under the plan, DPWH is tasked to acquire road-right-of-way .
“We have to wit for the final detailed engineering design. In acquiring right of way, resistance is expected but this can be prevented through consultation and if people will understand the importance of the project,” Asis added.
The DPWH regional chief assured that the project will get $214.44 million in total from the five-year $434-million Millenium Challenge Corporation grant in the country. It aims to rehabilitate the 220 kilometer Samar Rpad which passes through 15 municipalities from Paranas in Samar to Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
The road traverses the town of Paranas in Samar, Taft, Sulat, San Julian , Borongan, Maydolong, Llorent, Hernani, Gen. McArthur, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
The project is expected to benefit 290,000 residents in Samar Island. |
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07/20/11 |
NORTHERN SAMAR 1ST DEO ORDERS CONTRACTORS TO SPEED UP ASPHALT OVERLAY PROJECTS |
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District Engineer Sandy T. Pua has ordered the contractors to speed up the work of Asphalt Overlay Projects in this town.
DPWH Engr. Pua disclosed that he already issued an order to the contractors of all asphalt overlay projects of his office especially here in the capital town of the province to finish the project before the town’s annual fiesta this August 29, 2011.
“Akon na gin sugad an contractor sini nga amon asphalt overlay project dinhi sa Catarman nga apurahan an kanira trabaho para diri maabutan an kanira trabaho para diri maabutan san patron dinhi sa Catarman yana ng maabot nga Agusto,” he said.
Recently, issued revised implementing schedule of all regular infrastructure projects for calendar year 2011 being implemented by the DPWH District Engineers, it ordered all contractors to speed up the works and finish the projects based on timelines as amended by the department. Engr. Pua also issued directives to his engineers to speed up the Road Side Maintenance work before the town fiesta so that all entry point of Catarman will be clean from an obstruction especially from encroachment. The order of District Engineer Pua was based on the Presidential Decree No. 17 (Revised Philippine Highway Act) regarding road right of way violators. As of this writing , the asphalt overlay project of road section (KO 744+(348) to KO 747+1001) along Catarman –Lao-Ang Road is only lacking pavement markings.
Based on the record as of June 30, 2011 the project accomplishment is 90%. The project implementation was started last April 11, 2011, the contract for the project worth P25 million expires on December 6, 2011. The road is the only thoroughfare from the first district to the municipalities of the 2nd District of the province and is the only way student-commuters pass through from the capital town to the lone state university in the Northern Samar. The project is substantially completed. It has improved physical attributes of the road and will provide safety to the motorists and convenience to the travelling public. |
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07/20/11 |
DPWH STILL HAS TO COMPLETE ACQUISITION OF RROW FOR US-FUNDED SAMAR ROAD PROJECT |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways is waiting for the detailed engineering design from the Millennium Challenge Account Philippines (MCAP) in the rehabilitation of US –funded Samar Road for them to complete the acquisition of road right-of-way.
Initially, the infrastructure agency has already acquired some area needed for road expansion a project but they can’t completed the said activity with the absence of detailed design from the implementing agency, said DPWH Regional Director Rolando M. Asis.
In whole project work, MCAP is tasked to prepare the detailed engineering design, undertake the bidding process, procurement and actual implementation. Under the plan, DPWH is tasked to acquire road-right-of-way .
“We have to wit for the final detailed engineering design. In acquiring right of way, resistance is expected but this can be prevented through consultation and if people will understand the importance of the project,” Asis added.
The DPWH regional chief assured that the project will get $214.44 million in total from the five-year $434-million Millenium Challenge Corporation grant in the country. It aims to rehabilitate the 220 kilometer Samar Rpad which passes through 15 municipalities from Paranas in Samar to Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
The road traverses the town of Paranas in Samar, Taft, Sulat, San Julian , Borongan, Maydolong, Llorent, Hernani, Gen. McArthur, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
The project is expected to benefit 290,000 residents in Samar Island. |
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07/20/11 |
LEYTE 2ND ROAD UPGRADING OF JARO-DAGAMI BURAUEN-LA PAZ ROAD |
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Leyte Representative Sergio A.F. Apostol conducted an inspection of his various implemented projects, particularly the Regular Infrastructure for CY 2011 to ensure the quality of infrastructure that has been implemented based on its program of works.
Among the projects he visited and inspected were Pump Priming Projects CY 2011; Road Upgading of Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-La Paz Road; Road-Re blocking of Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road Section; Road Upgrading of Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road; Road Upgrading of Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road Section ; and the Construction of Public Market in the Municipality of Carigara amounting P1 million funded, under VILP CY 2010.
Congressman Apostol, contributed and completed a lot of infrastructure projects to his constituents of 2nd District of Leyte through DPWH 2nd LED implementation. Actually, one of them is the Road Opening in Burauen –Albuera, Leyte in the Western side of the Province.
The House of Representatives thru the effort of Cong. Apostol significantly contributes on the speedy delivery of the basic social services, specifically on infrastructure development. |
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07/14/11 |
DPWH EASTERN VISAYAS EQUIPMENT SERVICES 24/7 READY |
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In line with Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) policy oN quick response and calamity preparedness, the DPWH 8th Regional Equipment Services (RES) has established its 24/7 ready Equipment Emergency Task Force.
Eastern Visayas Regional Director Rolando M. Asis said that the task force personnel are equipped with raincoats, boots, flashlights, hard caps and various hand tools. Its equipment are the following: -1- unit Prime Mover with trailer, -2- units service vehicles, -1- units Stake Truck, -6- units Dump Trucks, -1- unit Shop Truck, -2- units Fork Lifts, -2-units Road Graders, -1- unit Hydraulic Excavator, -1- unit Truck Mounted Crane and -1- unit Pay Loader.
The 8th RES located in Palo, Leyte is tasked to undertake the management, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation of various construction and maintenance equipment of the DPWH.
“Despite limited resources and funds, our office was able to put its mission into action,” said RES engineer Romy M. Gumban.
“We have five (5) regular area shops and nine (9) sub-shops strategically located in Eastern Visayas. Each area shop has also its own Equipment Task Force ready as the need arises and during emergency situations,” added Gumban.
Major activities of DPWH 8th RES include preventive maintenance of DPWH vehicles and equipment. Interim repairs or mechanical repairs of equipment/vehicle which are emergency in nature is carried out by area shops or mobile service units. Building and yard maintenance and disposal of unserviceable equipment are also among their major activities.
To manage financial requirements, expenses incurred during preventive maintenance and interim repairs of vehicles and equipment are shouldered by the end-users. However, accomplishment for interim repair is greatly affected if spare parts for replacement are not immediately available in local market. Likewise, accomplishment on equipment rehabilitation is also affected if mechanics assigned on said activity are temporarily pulled out for other emergency repairs or activities especially during calamities. |
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07/07/11 |
DAMAGED LEYTE ROAD UNDERGOES REPAIR |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is undertaking repair works on badly damaged pavement of national highway in Eastern Visayas Region.
Reconstruction/rehabilitation of Palompon-Isabel-Merida-Ormoc Road in the 4th Congressional District of Leyte is on-going at a cost of P25.168 Million and expected to be completed by November 2011.
The project is the national government’s solution to motorists and commuters woe of traversing the damaged road that has prolonged travel time due to heavy traffic.
DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis said that damage to this road network according to the report of Leyte 4th District Engineer Lino Fransciso C. Gonzales is attributed to truck overloading and the series of calamities experienced by the Region.
In consonance with the instruction of Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to ensure the safety of the general public while the project is on-going, informative and warnings signs where installed along the project area.
Also, to ensure quality completion of the road rehabilitation project which is a renewed commitment of the DPWH under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, proper base course surface compacting, field density test and materials testing are undertaken prior to concrete pouring under the direct supervision and constant monitoring of project engineers from Leyte 4th District Engineering Office.
DPWH has also coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the concerned local government units head to provide assistance in the traffic management so as to allay inconvenience of the public with the one (1) lane road closed to traffic because of repair activity.
Meanwhile, District Engineer Gonzales spearheaded the repainting of bridges and kilometer post as part of the preventive maintenance program along national highway under its jurisdiction.
The DPWH Leyte 4th District Engineering Office with office based in Ormoc City has jurisdiction over national infrastructure (roads, bridges, flood control) in Ormoc City and six (6) municipalities namely Albuera, Isabel, Kananga, Matag-ob, Merida and Palompon. |
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03/15/11 |
DPWH TO ASSESS EARTHQUAKE VULNERABILITY OF BUILDINGS |
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Public and privately-owned buildings in Eastern Visayas would be subjected to inspection by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to assess its earthquake vulnerability.
DPWH Regional Director Rolando M. Asis said that they are done with their assessment of roads and bridges and their priority this year is to inspect buildings.
“There is an order from Secretary Rogelio Singzon to send notices to owners of buildings that needs immediate repair so it can withstand the impact of earthquakes,” Asis said.
Trained inspectors from maintenance, planning, and construction divisions were recently mobilized to undertake the regionwide inspection.
“In the priority list are those buildings with visible defects,” Asis added.
The region has at least 200 public buildings and the DPWH is still consolidating reports on the number of privately-owned structures.
The implementation of earthquake preparation program was ordered by top officials of the DPWH following the tremor that hit Haiti in 2010. It was reiterated following the recent devastating ground shaking in New Zealand and Japan.
“We are now strict in the implementation of this program. We do not approve construction plans if it does not include earthquake engineering,” said Asis.
The DPWH believed that some government buildings in the region were constructed before the enactment of National Building Code in 1972.
Besides regular inspection of buildings and infrastructures, concerned government agencies have been conducting surveys of structures for possible demolition and check if infrastructures comply with the National Building Code and Fire Safety Code.
The provision of the building code applies to the design, location, sitting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, and demolition of, and addition to, public and private buildings and structures.
Based on studies, many of the islands in the country are of volcanic origin. The country has more than 200 volcanoes, 21 of which are active, “Numerous fault lines crisscross the islands making the Philippines one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world,” Asis said.
Earlier, the DPWH expressed concerned that many bridges in Northern Samar might collapse during major earthquakes because of weakening structural integrity.
Asis said that many bridges along national highway of Northern Samar were built 40 years ago, which is beyond the usual bridge maintenance period of 25 to 30 years. Those bridge was built long time ago when very few land transport vehicles were plying the route.
The problem has surfaced after the DPWH inspect infrastructures to assess the structural condition and assure public safety if in case strong earthquake occurs. |
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03/15/11 |
SAMAR BRIDGE UNDER THREAT OF COLLAPSE |
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Concerns have been raised that many bridges in Northern Samar might collapse during major earthquakes because of weak structures.
Regional Director Rolando M. Asis said many bridges along the national highway of Northern Samar were built four decades ago, which is beyond the usual bridge maintenance period of 25 to 30 years.
“Many of these bridges are within the Catarman to Las Navas area. There are bridges where we have to regulate the loading capacity. That creates a problem for a private contractor who has projects in Northern Samar because heavy equipment cannot pass the bridge,” Asis said.
DPWH has ordered an inspection of buildings, roads and bridges to assure public safety in case of a strong earthquake.
“The presence of structural and non structural damages will be assess for possible repair works,” said Asis.
He did not identify the bridges that need immediate rehabilitation, but said they have sent funding requests to the Central Office in Manila for the strengthening and repair of the structures.
For new infrastructure projects, an earthquake engineering plan is now mandatory prior to actual civil works.
Meanwhile, the DPWH regional office has requested for funds to establish additional weighbridge stations in the region.
There is presently only one weighing facility in the region positioned at the San Juanico Bridge.
“The weighing facility in San Juanico Bridge is ideal since all land transport going to Luzon or Mindanao have to pass through the bridge,” said Asis. |
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03/11/11 |
ASIS UNDERSCORES NEED TO CHANGE |
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Regional Director Rolando M. Asis said the country’s biggest infrastructure arm is 100% behind Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s directive for change: “Kaisa Tungo sa Tuwid na Landas ng Pagbabago”.
He underscored this in a gathering of Eastern Visayas’ biggest group of builders during the induction of officers of the Philippine Constructors Association, Leyte Chapter, held at Ritz Tower De Leyte last February 19, 2011 in Tacloban City, wherein he was the inducting officer and speaker.
Director Asis challenged the group of contractors to adopt the same change so that the projects they would be undertaking will be consistent with DPWH Secretary’s program of coming up with “the right project at the right price with the right quality”.
“Let us be reminded to work together towards this end! Because if we do, then progress won’t be far behind,” he said.
Likewise, the director urged the group to never refrain to elevate the standards of the contracting business, and discourage practices inimical to the building profession; to be responsive of their employees upliftment, needs and general welfare; to share ideas with each other of new innovations and be updated of new construction techniques, new materials and other “new” things that will promote the profession.
The private and government sectors have to work on all these together, he said. |
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03/11/11 |
DPWH GREEN ENGINEERING IN PROJECTS |
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Regional Director Rolando M. Asis has promptly taken steps for the usage of indigenous products and technologies in the implementation of infrastructure projects, pursuant to the administration’s thrust in promoting green engineering.
In connection with the forthcoming National Coconut Summit, wherein the agency has been tapped as a potential institutional market as well as local user of the coconut fiber, the Department has already submitted a list of DPWH projects region wide – with usage for coconets.
Among the information provided to partner agencies and stakeholders, during a recent regional level convergence meeting held at the DPWH Regional Office, are lists of projects that would need coconet application. Each list contains the name of project and location; description of coconet application; estimated area of application; and estimated cost.
Earlier DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, through Department Order No. 41, has mandated all project and regional directors and district engineers to prioritize the usage of coconut bioengineering products/solutions in all DPWH projects. It was learned that these indigenous products/technologies used in infrastructure projects could mitigate the disastrous and devastating effects of natural calamities brought about by climate change.
Coconets are made of 100% natural coir, drawn from coconut husk. Specially designed, it is applicable especially to projects involving slope stabilization, soil conditioning, soil erosion prevention or hydro seeding.
The use of the coco-fiber products in the engineering industry will not only be beneficial for the environment as it minimizes the effects of climate change, but it will also provide livelihood activities for the coconut farmers in rural areas nationwide. |
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01/19/11 |
DPWH MEETS WITH BISHOP OF BORONGAN, EASTERN SAMAR |
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 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis (at left, upper photo) discuss with Bishop Crispen Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar engineering measures to mitigate flooding in the province during a recent meeting. Lower photo shows the flooded roadway in the Municipality of Quinapondan, Eastern Samar taken January 18, 2010 (4PM) following the onslaught of continuous heavy rains. |
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01/19/11 |
MEASURES TO MITIGATE SAMAR FLOODING |
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 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis (at left) together with other public works engineers in a meeting with Bishop Crispen Varquez (extreme right) of the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar to discuss engineering measures to mitigate flooding in the province. Heavy rains during the past days has cause flooding to some of the roadways making it hardly passable to vehicle and damaging road pavement. |
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01/12/11 |
DPWH QUICK ACTION |
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 DPWH-Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis conducts assessment of landslide damages in the area of Brgy Blood-Bolod, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. He also inspected road slips in Samar and ordered the immediate mobilization of heavy equipments and maintenance crew to restore vehicular traffic. |
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01/11/11 |
DPWH WORKING 24/7 TO RESPOND TO ROAD EMERGENCIES |
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Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando M. Asis reiterated his instructions to all District Offices to work 24/7 to respond to emergencies caused by continuous downpour, and to use all resources to make all roads passable.
RD Asis and ARD Edgardo B. Tabacon conducted immediate site inspections to assess the situation in affected areas in Southern Leyte, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.
In Southern Leyte, RD Asis dispatched two dump trucks and one loader to clear the landslides along St. Bernard to Hinunangan. A truck was also dispatched to help ferry relief goods to landslide-stricken areas. At present, all national roads in Southern Leyte are passable.
In Samar Province clearing of operations, construction of detour, road repairs and restoration works are on going to make the roads passable to traffic.
Report from Northern Samar I, motorists are advised to take Catarman-Allen-Calbayog route due to collapsed roadway in Brgy. Washington. At present construction of the detour road along mountainside of said road is ongoing.
Flooding in Samar I, along Daang Maharlika, Calbayog-Catbalogan Sections in Brgy. Erenos, San Jorge, Samar as well as in Brgy. Peña along Calbayog-Allen Road has subsided. Clearing activities is ongoing but it is already passable to all types of vehicles.
In Samar II, Wright-Taft-Borongan Road is not passable to all types of vehicles due to 10 ft.high floods. Landslides on the same route were also reported.
Maintenance engineers and crew are at the site waiting for flood waters to subside to start work. Landslide covering half lane is also reported along Catbalogan North Road, but section remains passable.
From Eastern Samar, reported also impassable is Wright-Taft-Borongan Road Camp 5 (Boundary) due to flooded roadway; landslides and damaged slope protection at both abutments of Borongan Bridge and Can-Obing Bridge.
Temporary installation of I-beams on both approaches of Can-Obing Bridge as well as clearing of landslides activities and installation of beams in Borongan Bridge are now complete. Both bridges are now passable.
All other national road network in the region is passable even in those with minor landslide and road slip affected road sections.
RD Asis is appealing to the public to bear with the temporary inconvenience with the assurance that DPWH is working 24/7 to respond to this emergency. |
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