Regional Director Danilo E. Versola of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol Region was commended by the Office of the President (OP) for his strong leadership and commitment to help evacuees during the destructive eruption of Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay.
The OP through Secretary Francis Tolentino, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs and designated Presidential Coordinator for Mt. Mayon Operations, lauded and gave Director Versola the prestigious Presidential Watch for leading the DPWH Regional and District Offices in Bicol in building temporary shelters, toilets, and semi-permanent communal kitchens with washing areas for evacuation centers.
Secretary Tolentino noted that following the marching order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte during his visit last January 29, 2018 in Albay Province, DPWH was able to build a total of 336 toilets with bathing area in the different public schools compound and resettlement areas within 3 to 4 days duration despite being tasked to build only 333 toilets for the evacuees.
Additional task to construct 33 semi-permanent communal kitchens with washing areas and temporary shelters was also assigned to DPWH as this immediate assistance in the evacuation centers.
Aside from this, Director Versola deployed two (2) DPWH personnel in each of the seven (7) evacuation centers in the municipality of Daraga, Albay, with trucks and service vehicles ready for emergency response.
According to Secretary Tolentino, DPWH Region 5 team under Director Versola, deserves commendation for their team work and diligence that led to the immediate completion of the most needed facilities in evacuation camps.