The advocacies of Iloilo Governor Arthur D. Defensor Sr. are better traffic management and regulations, maintenance and improvement of national and provincial roads, apprehension of traffic violators and coordination with other agencies by creating a road safety task force.

The roles of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on these advocacies are to conduct yearly inspections and put up road signs, provide bike lanes and loading and unloading bays and prompt completion of road projects.

In anticipation of the two major festivals in Panay Island this month – the Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival, which is scheduled on January 9-15 and Iloilo Dinagyang Festival on January 20-22, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region VI has made the roads ready and safe, considering the volume of both foreign and local tourists expected to witness these events.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo Fourth District Engineering Office has constructed two structures in the town of Leon, province of Iloilo.

According to District Engineer Edmund V. Opinion, an amount of P8.207 Million was poured for the construction of 2-Storey, 6-Classroom school building at Leon National High School.

Opinion added that the school building could cater at least 300 students considering the 50 students per classroom ratio, preferably for the Grades 11 and 12 as part of the K-12 Program of the Department of Education.

The newly constructed Kalibo Bridge 2 in Aklan province was opened by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) represented by its Assistant Regional Director, Engr. Jose Al V. Fruto last January 10, just in time for the celebration of the Kalibo “Ati-atihan” Festival, which is considered as the mother of Philippine festivals.

The inauguration was graced by Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and Aklan Lone District Congressman Carlito Marquez.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI is currently undertaking the construction of a new maritime facility (Maritime Center) along Muelle Loney Street, here.

A ground breaking for the said project was held last January 6, which was attended by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, DPWH 6 Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) 6 Regional Director Mary Ann Z. Arcilla and other dignitaries.

An amount of P100-Million was allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI for the rehabilitation of drainage systems here.
According to Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, the said amount is utilized to jumpstart the project, which rightfully commences in the city proper area, specifically along Gen. Luna, Jalandoni and J. M. Basa streets and other city streets.

The thrust of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to prioritize service to the public and the mandate of Department of Public Works and Highways to provide quality infrastructure facilities to improve the life of every Filipino have been the guiding force that has driven DPWH Region IX in accomplishing its goals and objectives for CY 2016.

With a total allocation of P18.51 Billion under the 2016 Infrastructure Program, DPWH Region IX implemented a total of 703 projects - of which 280 were completed, 420 are on-going and 3 are in the pre-construction stage.