A Feast for the Senses: Classic Filipino Dishes take center stage at DPWH RO6
“Master Chief Cook-Off”
DPWH R6 demonstrates preparedness thru successful conduct of earthquake drill
PHOTO BY IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO
“Work round-the-clock if needed and exert extra effort and time to complete our projects on time,” Public Works and Highways-6 Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno told Project Engineers of various Region-implemented projects in Iloilo City during her recent project inspection.
RD Bueno fast-tracked the ongoing construction of Iloilo North Bank Road or the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, a new road opening for a sustainable and greener Iloilo. The new road will help decongest heavy traffic from Iloilo City to various towns in southern Iloilo, and vice versa.
With the total cost of roughly ₱1.02 billion, the project involves construction of 4.95-kilometer new road from Brgy. Tabucan in Mandurriao, Iloilo City to Brgy. Cagban in Oton, Iloilo. This also includes provision of solar LED lights, median island, slope protection with walkway (esplanade), drainage structures, and sidewalks.
“This will ease accessibility and connectivity, and will boost further development in the city in the fields of tourism, economy and infrastructures, which will subsequently improve the lives of the people of Iloilo City and southern Iloilo,”
- RD Nerie D. Bueno.
“Like in our existing esplanade projects along Iloilo River, Iloilo Sunset Boulevard will also have bike lanes, that will provide a conducive passage for our cyclists and sports enthusiasts,” Rd Bueno added.
Iloilo River North Bank Road, or the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, will complement the east-to-west connectivity of the city to avert future traffic congestion along Iloilo-Antique Road.
RD Bueno also inspected the on-going construction of 5-Storey multi-purpose facility on Reinforced Concrete Pile Foundation in Molo district with the contract amount of ₱192.999 million.
“This 1,492-square meter, 27-unit facility will serve as Medical Arts building to support the operation of the Iloilo City Hospital, which is currently being built by the City Government. This will have Doctor’s clinic to cater out-patients seeking medical check-up,” RD Bueno said.
Likewise, RD Bueno checked the ongoing construction of slope protection structure along Dungon Creek in Jaro district; and the ongoing construction of flood mitigation facilities in the city.
The slope protection along Dungon Creek amounting to ₱162.884 million includes construction of 2,063-lineal meter esplanade, 288-square meter lab bridge on concrete pile, stone masonry, and provision of solar LED lights.
“This project aims to ensure cleanliness along Dungon Creek and will serve as additional destination for social, physical, health and wellness development of the Ilonggos,” RD Bueno stressed.
The ₱115.8-million flood mitigation facility, on the other hand, includes installation of three pumping stations located in Barangay Ma. Clara in City proper, Barangay Don Esteban in Lapaz, and Barangay Calajunan in Mandurriao. These stations will facilitate in the smooth flow of water from drainage systems, preventing possible flooding when heavy rains occur. ⊛
PHOTO BY IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO RD Bueno during her recent inspection of the construction of Slope protection along Dungon Creek and Medical Arts Building as part of the ongoing construction of Iloilo City Hospital.Hassle-free travel experience will now be enjoyed by the travelers with the two newly paved roads in Aklan undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Aklan District Engineering Office.
The ₱4.9-million road from Sitio San Antonio, Barangay Daja Sur in Banga, to the boundary of Barangay Singay in Madalag, measures 830 lane meters. The same amount was also allotted for the road paving in Sitio Caigang, Barangay Julita, Libacao, which spans 980 lane meters.
Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno, based on report from OIC-District Engineer Gener J. Abergas, stated that the road improvement will save travel time and create economic potential in Aklan’s agricultural sector.
“These newly paved roads will reduce travel time and
expenses, which will help commuters and small businesses alike. Providing an improved transportation system, especially in the local areas in Aklan, offers convenient travel experience along the route,” Director Bueno explained.
“These projects will increase economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture, which is the primary source of revenue and trade of the community,” added RD Bueno.
Meanwhile, Engr. Abergas stated that the road project in Libacao includes reinforced concrete drainage and stone masonry slope protection to prevent soil collapse and scouring.
“With the completion of these two roadways, we can provide the best possible routes for the safety of the commuters here in Aklan,” Engr. Abergas concluded. ⊛
This 2.6-kilometer portion of the main thoroughfare connecting the provinces of Iloilo and Antique, specifically in Laua-an, Antique section is widened from 2 to 4 lanes by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Antique District Engineering Office.
The widened road offers safer and faster travel opportunities along this main access between the two provinces, as well as provide alternate access from Iloilo City to the province of Aklan.
With the widened road, more vehicles can be accommodated; travel time will be reduced; mobility of people will be enhanced; and transport of goods and services will be more convenient and less costly.
Continuous widening along Iloilo-Capiz Road is undertaken by DPWH in Region 6, which aims to decongest traffic and ensure better transportation access. ⊛
PHOTO BY DPWH ANTIQUE DEOIloilo-Antique Road widened from 2 to 4 lanes for faster, safer travel opportunities
TEXT BY JADE A. PAROCHELIN
PHOTO BY DPWH CAPIZ 1ST DEO
The construction of flood control along the Cadio River in Panitan, Capiz, undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Capiz 1st District Engineering Office is already substantially completed with current accomplishment of roughly 98 percent.
This ₱73.4-million, 306-lineal meter revetment wall in Barangay Cadio is a continuation of the existing structure along Cadio River.
Citing from the report of District Engineer Nonie A. Viyar, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the new flood control structure will protect adjacent rice fields, agricultural lands, and residential areas from the effects of floods.
“With the department’s consistent effort to protect the lives and property of locals, the Cadio River Control is now getting underway to ensure the protection of the residents as well as prevent severe inland flooding caused by heavy rains,” Director Bueno explained.
“Aside from protection, this wall seeks to boost crop productivity and allow residents to live without concern of flood damage, protecting the community as a whole,” added RD Bueno. ⊛
PHOTO BY DPWH GUIMARAS DEO
A bigger, new building is delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for Guimaras Land Transportation Office (LTO) that will serve as its main provincial office.
DPWH 6 Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno said the new building will provide employees with a more conducive and comfortable working environment, that could boost their performance and increase their productivity in serving the public.
“With this new facility, officials and employees of Guimaras LTO can effectively perform their duties and responsibilities towards faster processing of motor vehicle registration, and issuance of drivers licenses and permits,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
“This new and bigger office increasing number stakeholders and clients from the five towns in the province who avail LTO services every day,” RD Bueno added.
Undertaken by DPWH, Guimaras District Engineering Office headed by District Engineer Rhodora B. Nuñal, the ₱9.7-million building project involves construction of 1-storey structure built in Barangay San Miguel in Jordan town.
The 276-square meter building comprises 7 rooms to include the Lecture and Examination room, Records room, Chief’s room, Regional Director field office, Inspector’s office, Employees working area, and Customer waiting area.
The project also includes six comfort rooms to cater the personal needs of both the employees and the stakeholders, and other necessary facilities and amenities for the improved productivity and service delivery.
DPWH continues to work hand-in-hand with other national government, local government and private organization in providing quality infrastructure facilities and services responsive to the needs of the people in the pursuit of national development objectives. ⊛
The restored and improved tourism building in Carles town in northern Iloilo is expected to attract more tourists to visit Isla de Gigantes (Island of the Giants) and other island destinations in town with the restored and improved municipal tourism building.
Undertaken by DPWH, Iloilo 3rd District Engineering Office, the ₱2.8-million project involves construction of 63-square meter lounge area, including provision of corridors, male and female comfort rooms, with necessary water and electrical facilities.
The new building will serve as conducive venue for tourism activities in the town, and a display center for various local products.
This will likewise provide a comfortable lounge for guests and visitors, that could attract more nature lovers to visit magnificent spots in this northern tip of Iloilo province. ⊛
2-storey public market building at the town of Guimbal in southern Iloilo built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 1st District Engineering Office.
The ₱49.2-million project, which began in March 2021 and was completed in December 2022, spans 768 square meters and has 32 stalls to cater the supplies and necessities of the approximately 7,470 households in town.
The renovated public market building will boost the municipality’s economy and generate additional revenue streams that will showcase the community’s local culture. ⊛
SOURCE: Edna Solido DPWH, Iloilo 1st DEO
Enhanced mobility and improved connectivity will soon be enjoyed by the people in northern Iloilo with the construction of Dumangas-Barotac Nuevo Diversion Road undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office.
The ₱34.3-million project funded under FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), involves the concreting of a 1.9-kilometer road that is 6.70 meters wide and 300 mm thick, complete with cross drains and thermoplastic pavement markings.
DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the concrete road will not
only ensure the safety of the people but also improve the ease of transportation in the area by reducing the flow of traffic in the town proper of the municipality, making it more convenient for the people to travel to and from their destinations.
“This concrete road is a major improvement to the transportation infrastructure in northern Iloilo. Once completed, it will greatly benefit the residents by providing convenient and easier access to essential services in their everyday lives,” Director Bueno said.
RD Bueno added that the road will provide economic benefits to the local communities as it will increase the efficiency of goods and services
delivery, boosting the local economy through tourism revenue, providing job opportunities for the residents, and providing easier access to students traveling to schools.
The construction of the DumangasBarotac Nuevo Diversion Road is part of the DPWH’s efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure and boost economic growth.
The Department continues to prioritize the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects in various parts of the country, to improve the quality of life of Filipinos. ⊛
SOURCE: Kim D. Liñan DPWH, Iloilo 2nd DEOVisitors and tourists as well as local residents of Alimodian in central Iloilo now have better venue for agri-tourism trade activities in the town with the construction of the municipal tourism building in Brgy. Poblacion delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Constructed by DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, the multi-purpose building plays a vital role in the economy, prosperity and growth of Alimodian town.
As reported by District Engineer (DE) Mario G. Soriano, DPWH 6 Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno said the building aims to help the town realize its dream to be an agri-ecotourism destination in the province of Iloilo by maximizing scenic and heritage spots, increasing livelihood, and securing local tourism industry.
“This structure will cater the needs of both local and foreign tourists in the town. This will further serve as the town’s Tourism Office and Tourism Information Center, which is essential for the development and marketing of its agri-tourism destinations,” RD Nerie D. Bueno said.
“This will also serve as ‘pasalubong’ center where locals can showcase and market various local products, thereby promoting local tourism production in the town that will
eventually enhance economic condition of the locals,” RD Bueno added.
Meanwhile, DE Mario G. Soriano said the building will function as temporary exhibition center to showcase and safekeep the cultural and historical artifacts of the town.
“This new tourism building will foster economic and cultural interchange, reduce poverty by creating jobs, and minimize climate change through sustainable development,” DE Mario G. Soriano said.
“This tourism building will likewise significantly bring innovation in business and investment that will benefit the town’s economy; contribute in the preservation of natural wonders and biological diversity of the town; and enhance the sites fir visitors and researchers,” DE Soriano added
Funded under the District’s FY 2022 Infrastructure Program, the Php4.8-million involves construction of 1-storey multi-purpose building with necessary amenities including provision of ramp for persons with disability. ⊛
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo City District Engineering Office completed off-carriageway improvements along J.M. Basa-Gen. Hughes Port-San Pedro, providing a safe and comfortable place to walk dedicated to pedestrians.
The ₱6.3-million improvement project involves the installation of paving blocks, drainage inlets, repair restoration of existing drainage manholes, and a PWD ramp to create a more inclusive facility to the 417-meter-long sidewalk
Based on the report of District Engineer Cesar M. Hipona Jr., Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the project aspires to create a “walkable” community in the city where residents can conveniently access their destinations with the help of a continuous, integrated sidewalk.
“Now that the off-carriageways in Iloilo City are improved, residents and visitors can walk to important places and take advantage of the health, safety, and economic benefits that come with active travel,” Director Bueno highlighted.
Furthermore, sidewalks have been found to significantly lower the incidence of pedestrian crashes, boost physical
activity levels, and support and enhance the local economies of residents in the area.
DPWH has consistently collaborated in the development of necessary projects to transform the city into a thriving, growing, and sustainable community. ⊛
SOURCE: Fema Guadalupe DPWH, Iloilo City DEO
DEO PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
ILOILO CITY DEO
TEXT BY JADE A. PAROCHELIN
Bigger, better function hall built by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the people of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental.
With the area of 10 meters by 24 meters, this ₱5-million multi-purpose structure built by DPWH, Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office can accommodate hundreds of individuals, benefiting approximately 65,000 residents of the town.
This building will serve as venue for meetings and various social, political and other government activities of the town. This may likewise be used as venue for private functions of the citizens of E.B. Magalona. ⊛
>Covered tennis court built by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Negros Occidental Sub District Engineering Office for the people of Barangay Palampas in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
The ₱6-million project includes construction of 1,085-square meter structure with two playing courts, bleachers, and comfort rooms, providing conducive venue for sports enthusiasts as well as spectators.
The building serves as a better area for various sports events as well as gatherings, meetings, and other social engagements in the locality, that would enhance sportsmanship, cooperation and camaraderie of the people, especially the youth.
Likewise, the multi-purpose structure may serve as temporary evacuation center in times of calamities and disasters, providing residents with a bigger, safer shelter. ⊛
Pedestrians as well as cyclists from Barangay Punao in San Carlos City to Sitio Bandera in Calatrava town, and vice versa, may now safely cross Talave River at all times.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Negros Occidental Sub District Engineering Office built a 60-meter foot bridge amounting to ₱5 million.
Said foot bridge provides people with an easier access to social and economic activities, boosting local trade and industry for a more secured livelihood.
The bridge ensures that transport of good and services is not hampered even if water level rises when heavy rains occur, as well as delivery of government services to farflung communities. ⊛
Residents living along JaroAganan River at the downstream? of Aganan Bridge in Brgy. Poblacion in Alimodian, Iloilo are now less worried about their safety with the construction of flood control structures, undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office.
District Engineer (DE) Mario G. Soriano said the structures are built to prevent water overflow especially when heavy rains occur, protecting the lives, properties and livelihoods of thousands of residents in the area.
“This flood protection structures will serve as defense against flash floods and erosion of the river bank, protecting people and their properties,” DE Mario G. Soriano said.
“Livelihood of people in the area depend on agricultural production and animal raising, hence, the revetment wall will protect their source of living, making them earn for their needs,” DE Soriano added.
DE Soriano also emphasized that this (flood control structure) will serve as protection of the national road and the Aganan Bridge from being damaged that may be caused rising of river water, making the road open to the motorists and the riding public all the time.
For CY 2022, the District has poured an amount of ₱96.499 million for the construction of 711-lineal meter revetment wall. This is an addition to the existing structures along the river.
The project includes construction of reinforced concrete revetment wall on Reinforced Concrete Sheet Pile foundation with Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) as upper bank protection.
“With these flood control structures, the road will be protected from possible cut-off especially when heavy rains occur, hence, flow of the delivery of basic goods and services will not be hampered. DPWH will continuously undertake significant structures to ensure that more communities along this river will be safer and be protected,” DE Soriano stressed. ⊛
PICA-PICA SOCIAL THURSDAYS
Every Thursday, the covered car park of the office transforms into a lively social hub, as employees gather for PICA PICA, a weekly event filled with delicious street foods, refreshing drinks, and jamming music.
DPWH MASTERCHIEF
Presenting their unique versions of the classic Filipino dishes, Pinakbet and Adobo, using locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Division Chiefs and Assistant of the DPWH Regional Office 6 put their culinary skills to the test in a “Master Chief Cook-Off”.
MASTERCLASS ON FINE DINING
Basic table etiquette lecture was held to promote the value of practicing good table manners and etiquette during formal social situations. The lecture aimed to equip the chiefs with the necessary skills to professionally represent the Department. The participants learned to set the table properly, use utensils, and converse politely during formal dinners.
MAKEUP SESSION
As part of the celebration of International Women’s Month, Revlon Philippines conducted a makeup tutorial and session for the women of the DPWH Regional Office 6 to empower and boost women’s confidence through the power of makeup.
DPWH SUPERWOMAN
an honor bestowed upon outstanding women in the workplace who exemplify qualities such as helpfulness, creativity, inspiration, trustworthiness, and intelligence. These women are recognized by their colleagues for their exceptional contributions to the workplace and serve as an inspiration to others.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 showed their commitment to maintaining their readiness and preparedness in case of an earthquake or other calamities with the resumption of the face-to-face earthquake drill.
The said activity is in coordination with the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), an essential activity that ensures the Department’s readiness and preparedness in case of an earthquake.
DPWH Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno emphasized the importance of the activity, particularly in a region prone to earthquakes. “As a Department responsible for infrastructure, we must be ready to respond and ensure public safety in times of calamities such as earthquakes. The resumption of the faceto-face earthquake drill is a testament of our commitment to ensuring the safety of our personnel and the public,” Director Bueno said.
The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (ICDRRMO) evaluated the drill in the Regional Office and congratulated the office for a well-executed, well-prepared, and well-equipped drill.
The outstanding rating given by the ICDRRMO is a validation that the office maintains its readiness and preparedness in case of calamities and disasters, such as earthquake.
In addition, the 16 District Engineering Offices (DEOs) actively participated in the simultaneous earthquake drill in their respective offices. By conducting the drill in different areas, the Department can identify and address potential gaps in its emergency response system and enhance its coordination with other agencies in times of disasters.
DPWH encourages everyone to participate in the NSED and other related activities to ensure preparedness in times of emergency. ⊛
TEXT BY JADE A. PAROCHELIN
Customer Satisfaction Survey Application (CuSSA) is an online application developed to replace the manual Customer Satisfaction Survey Forms. CuSSA is now operational in the Regional and District Engineering Offices. CuSSA aims to standardize the process of feedback management to improve data quality application interfacing, and produce analytics to monitor the trends of customer feedback.
NUMBER OF FEEDBACK RECEIVED BY CRITERIA
SUMMARY OF EXTERNAL SATISFACTION SURVEY
For the first quarter of 2023, the report generated in CuSSA revealed that Region VI received a total of Five Hundred Sixty-Six (566) feedback from stakeholders and visiting clients. Region VI obtained an overall satisfaction rating of 99.84% . The category with the highest satisfaction rating are PEOPLE and PROCESS both attained 100% rating , followed by FACILITIES/AMENITIES with 99.65% rating as summarized.
RFA MONITORING REPORT PER CATEGORY 1ST QUARTER OF 2023
DPWH has implemented effective arrangement for communicating with customers in relation to the delivery of customer inquiries and customer feedback, including customer complaints in the form of Request for Action (RFA). This is in line with the Department’s continuous improvement of its services in conformance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and in compliance with Republic Act 11032 or Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
For the first quarter of 2023, Region VI received a total of Thirty-Six (36) RFAs through different platforms. The highest number of RFAs were received from the Official Facebook page of the department with ten (10) RFAs followed by feedback received from the department’s email with nine (9) RFAs . Twenty-one (21) of these RFAs were construction related concerns and eight (8) of which are road right-of-way issues.
In accordance with RA 11032, all RFAs were resolved within the prescribed timeline, with the exception of a few cases that need additional time to resolve.
PREPARED BY IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO MA. JOSENIA C. SAMSONRFA MONITORING REPORT PER PLATFORM 1ST QUARTER OF 2023
Residents of Barangay Jerusalem along Paniqui-on River in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental will no longer spend sleepless nights when heavy rains occur with the river control structures delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH 6 Regional Director (RD)
Nerie D. Bueno said the structure will help mitigate erosion of river banks that may be caused by rushing water when heavy rains occur, benefiting farms and other agricultural lands nearby.
“With this flood control structure, rushing water may not easily affect river banks, hence, rice lands, sugarcane plantations and other agricultural areas will not be damaged, thereby increasing productivity for sustainable supply,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
“Local folks, especially in the agricultural sector, will be at ease, knowing that their crops and other agricultural products will be safeguarded, hence, harvesting will be on time,” RD Bueno added.
“Significantly, lives and properties of the people, as well as cattle and poultry industry in the community will be secured against possible flooding during rainy season or when typhoons occur,” RD Bueno stressed.
Undertaken by DPWH, Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office, the ₱40-million flood control project involves construction of 1.04lane kilometer long, 3.5-meter high stone masonry. It also includes embankment and weep holes that will allow rain water to go downstream rather than staying
TEXT BY MELVIN S. SEDICOL
stagnant on the surface along the river banks.
“Paniqui-on River is a tributary of the much bigger ang longer Lumanoy River where flooding is a common occurrence during rainy days or when typhoons occur. Hence building protection will help prevent untoward along Paniquion River,” OIC-District Engineer Dene B. Baldonado, Jr. said.
“With this project, agricultural communities and residents near the river will be protected against soil erosion and flooding, thus, they will feel secured even when calamity happens,” OIC-DE Baldonado added. ⊛
PHOTO BY DPWH NEGROS OCC. 1ST DEO
Local and foreign tourists now have a convenient and hassle-free travel going to Binadlan Falls in Barangay Biaao in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental with the paved road built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Undertaken by DPWH, Negros Occidental 2nd District Engineering Office, the 784-meter road project amounting to ₱38.58-million funded under the District FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), is part of the 10.57-kilometer road, a multi-year road improvement project which started in 2018. This road traverses from Binalbagan town proper to Sitio Binadlan in Brgy. Biaao, which gives access leading to Binadlan Falls.
As reported by OIC-District Engineer Marivic M. Roldan, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the road concreting benefits not only tourists but also residents in the upland areas.
“Local folks, particularly from Brgy. Bi-ao had a hard time transporting their products to the town especially during rainy days since the old road was muddy and not paved. Likewise, the old earth road does not really attract tourists since going to Binadlan Falls then was quite hard and not comfortable,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
“Thus, the concreting of this road will attract more tourists to visit Binadlan Falls, boosting the tourism and local economy in the area. Also, transport of goods and services will be easier and faster,” Director Bueno added.
Meantime, OIC-District Engineer Marivic M. Roldan said that the concreting project is significant since this road serves as the major access to the upper barangays of Binalbagan town and to many tourist attractions in the southern portion of Negros Occidental.
“Binadlan Falls, also known as “Bambi Falls” is becoming one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Binalbagan, hence, the improvement of the access road is a big help in attracting both local and foreign tourists,” DE Roldan said. ⊛
PHOTO BY DPWH NEGROS OCC. 3RD DEO
Members of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City now have a better venue for various activities with the construction of IP Governance Center provided by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Built by DPWH, Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office, 1-storey, 84-square meter structure includes provision of comfort rooms, electrical, and water utilities for the convenience of the occupants.
As reported by District Engineer (DE) Rodney A. Gustilo, Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno stressed that the completed building will benefit thousands of residents.
“Situated in the mountains of Kabankalan City, roughly 4,700 members of IP community in Barangay Carol-an were granted with Certificate of Ancestral Domain title, where most of them are accustomed to farming and poultry raising. Hence, this building will serve as convenient venue where they can be
trained and educated for their social, personal, and economic development,” RD Nerie D. Bueno said.
“This center will also serve as center where local officials can perform their functions, policies, and programs toward the preservation of IP culture, tradition and institution,” RD Bueno added.
Likewise, National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for the Island Group and Rest of Visayas Commissioner Jeorge M. Largado lauded DPWH for the provision of the IP Governance Center.
“This IP center will serve as the office of IP structures who are identified as IP leaders for the settlement of incidental problems. This will also serve as an office for IP organizations, who are the implementing arms of IP community having a legal capacity in bridging the extended program of government to IPs,” Commissioner Largado said.
“This building will also be a place to shelter the IP knowledge system and practices, documenting rich cultures
and tradition that can be seen in the area, as well as preservation of IP beliefs in various activities such as wedding, farming, and thanksgiving that they are vividly and continuously practicing to date,” Largado added.
Meantime, DE Rodney A. Gustilo explained that the construction of IP community building aims to preserve that tradition of Carolano IP community.
“This multi-purpose building is the government’s way of supporting and protecting the rights and tradition of the members of IP communities, and enhancing their economic, social, and cultural well-being,” DE Gustilo said.
“Through this office building, IP leaders and organizations will be able to preserve the IP native culture, and augment the integrated programs and plans of the government for the enrichment of the indigenous accustomed tradition,” DE Gustilo stressed. ⊛
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the construction of flood control structures on both sides of Andoon River along Bacolod North Road in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
Delivered by DPWH, Negros Occidental Sub-District Engineering Office, the structure is built downstream of Andoon River to complement the already completed structure at the other bank of the said waterway.
Citing report from District Engineer (DE) Oscar U. dela Cruz, Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno said the flood control structure benefits the people and communities in the area, as well as giving the government ease in maintaining the smooth flow of water.
“This structure enables an easy and faster excavation of river deposits caused by erosion from the mountain ranges of San Carlos City, making the river deeper and wider from 20 to 40 meters, which can hold greater run-off water, preventing overflow even if water level
rises” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
“Significantly, this flood control structure will protect the lives, properties, and livelihood of the people along the river, and prevent farmlands and agricultural areas from being damaged,” RD Bueno stressed.
RD Bueno further said that in order to control erosion of river banks and contain the rising water level that may harm both people and properties nearby, the embankments were provided with coco nets and sodding.
“This structure mainly aims to mitigate the risk of flooding and maintain safety of the community against rushing water especially during rainy season or when typhoon occurs,” RD Bueno added.
Meantime, DE dela Cruz said that other than protection of lives and houses, the structure will ensure continuous agricultural and economic activities in the area.
“With this structure, social and economic activities in the nearby communities will be ensured as crops and other agricultural products will be protected from the risk of possible flooding in the area,” DE dela Cruz said.
The ₱50-million project involves construction of 212-lineal meter stone masonry wall structure on both sides of the river and is now fully operational, reducing the community’s vulnerability to flood. ⊛
SOURCE: Harold Miguel Puey DPWH, Negros Occ. Sub-DEO
PHOTO BY DPWH BACOLOD CITY DEO
Motorists can now experience a faster and safer travel going to Murcia Proper and Mambukal Resort with the completion of the access road and bridge widening project undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bacolod City District Engineering Office.
The ₱70.1-million project is under the Government Infrastructure Program and part of the District’s Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP) program which started in 2019.
The road improvement project is located along Negros First Cyber Center and Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), while the widening of Bakyas Bridge is situated about 100 meters from Bangga Cory towards Murcia, which is in the boundary of Barangay Taculing and Barangay Mansilingan.
Citing from the report of District Engineer Abraham C. Villareal, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the project includes reblocking of a 4-lane concrete pavement, with a measurement of 18 meters wide by 438 meters long.
Meanwhile, the bridge involves the construction of two additional 4.8 meters wide lanes on bored pile foundation that will align the 31 meters long bridge with the 4-lane road on both ends.
The widening project will also cover the installation of solar LED lights along the area and provision for sidewalk.
“The completion of the access road and widening of this bridge in Bacolod City would bring numerous benefits, including improved accessibility, employment opportunities, investment, and overall quality of life,” said RD Bueno.
“The project will boost the social and economic development in the area as it provides a more comfortable, safer, and faster travel time for daily motorists and commuters,” Director Bueno added.
Furthermore, the project aims to cater the volume of traffic along the major roadways of the city in view of the rapid urban development in Bacolod and uplift the tourism industry, and improve the daily lives of the local people.
With the completion of this project, DPWH Bacolod City District Engineering Office continues to prioritize improving transportation infrastructure in the region, contributing to the growth of local economies and enhancing the lives of the people in the communities they serve. ⊛
Local and foreign tourists now have convenient and hassle-free travel going to Mambukal Mountain Resort with the paved road built by the Department of Public Works and Highways as part of the Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP).
Undertaken by DPWH Bacolod City District Engineering Office, the 1.02-kilometer road project amounting to ₱77.2-million stretches from Benigno S. Aquino Drive to Barangay 23.
As reported by District Engineer Abraham C. Villareal, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the road improvement project would benefit the city and the residents as it could enhance tourism, economic, social, and cultural value.
“This road concreting project in Bacolod City aims to provide direct accessibility and ease in transportation to local markets and economic zones,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
“Along with this project is the improvement of the drainage system, which will help address the heavy volume of water during the rainy season,” Director Bueno added.
Furthermore, the construction of the access road includes the removal of actual structures/obstructions, concrete paving with unreinforced Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), and improving the drainage system using reinforced concrete culvert pipes.
TEXT BY JADE A. PAROCHELIN PHOTO BY DPWH BACOLOD CITY DEO
C. SAMSON, JOHN CHRISTIAN M. CUERPO
