Infra Bulletin - April to June 2022 by R3 PIO

Vol. 5 | Issue No. 2 | April - June 2022 BUILD BETTER MORE INFRA BULLET N THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DPWH REGIONAL OFFICE III

Barangobong Bridge Paniqui

Tarlac

CONTENTS 08 NEWS BRIEFS DPWH RIII celebrates 124th founding anniversary 23 HR NEWS DPWH RIII conducts orientation for recently hired employees 38 DISTRICT NEWS Tarlac 2nd DEO, SAMAKANA donate water supply system to KNHS in Capas 47 DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 32 CONSTRUCTION UPDATES DPWH breaks ground for Diteki Bridge replacement project in Aurora 27 CENTRAL NEWS DPWH marks 124th anniversary 28 FEATURE STORY The Construction Division of DPWH Regional Office III 55 SPIRITUAL & EMPOWERMENTMORAL The Most Powerful Effective Spiritual Work 54 GAD CORNER Violence Against Women 24 NATIONAL NEWS Pangandaman backs Marcos’ campaign for prudent fiscal management 05 BANNER NEWS Tolentino welcomes new DPWH Chief, optimistic of CL Flagship Projects implementation support DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III CONTENTS 2

Editorial Team

Staff Writer Albert Jonah M. Medina Prince Kenneth T. Irabon Graphic/Layout Artists Maria Wilma V. Van Den Heever Researcher District TechnicalEngineersDivision Chiefs District Public Affairs & Information Officers Contributors RD Roseller A. Tolentino ARD Denise Maria M. Ayag Technical Consultants The DPWH-Regional Office III Infra Bulletin is accepting original articles - news and feature stories, opinions, and photo releases - all subject for edit. However, we reserve the right to accept or reject articles found to be not in accordance with our editorial policies. For further inquiry, please send us an email prodpwh3@gmail.com.at THE EDITOR JOIN US! INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 CONTENTS 3 Let thinkwhatknowusyou facebook.com/dpwhphtwitter.com/dpwhphDPWHHotline165-02

Allan V. Mantaring T. Marasigan

Editor Jervin

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III BANNERNEWS 4

Prior to his new appointment, Tolentino shared that Bonoan has already served DPWH in various capacities until he became Officerin-Charge from February to July 2007 before he retired.

After his stay at DPWH, Tolentino said Bonoan also led San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Tollways as its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), thus fitting him into the highest position in the Department.Tolentinoexpressed optimism that Bonoan’s familiarity with the

Tolentino said he expects the new secretary to support the continued development of road networks that are vital to further boosting the economy of Central Luzon.“We are improving not only inter-provincial connectivity but right now we are setting our eyes in providing more access to Central Luzon for those coming from the neighboring regions of Cagayan Valley and National Capital Region,” Tolentino enthused.

Region III Director Roseller Tolentino expressed his hope that the government’s flagship infrastructure programs in the region will be maintained with the appointment of Manuel “Manny” Bonoan as the agency’s newBonoansecretary.was among the first Cabinet secretaries appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., ahead of his official assumption on June 30, 2022.

“In the province of Bataan for example we have already completed the feasibility studies

agency’s work process related to the implementation of infrastructure projects will be a great help for improving the delivery of DPWH services to the public.

for the proposed 5.2-kilometer Dinalupihan Diversion Road and the 14.02-kilometer LubaoMasantol Access Road that will have 2 bridges and a viaduct,” Tolentino explained.

DPWH Region III has been relentless in the development of connectivity projects in the region such as the ongoing construction of the San Rafael-San Ildefonso-San Miguel Bypass Road in Bulacan, Pampanga Southern Bypass Road, and the Palihan-Mabiga-SBMA Access Road.###

Tolentino welcomes new DPWH Chief, optimistic of CL flagship supportimplementationprojects newsBANNER

The DPWH has also completed feasibility studies for the proposed 74.2-kilometer Dingalan-Baler Bypass Road and 72-kilometer Dingalan-Infanta Road both in Aurora

epartment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

The Regional Director said he was referring to the feasibility studies conducted by the Planning and Design Division for the construction of new bypass roads in various provinces in Central Luzon, particularly in its major tourism and industrial areas.

“Initialprovince.funding has also been given for the construction of the 3-kilometer Baler Bypass Road and the 68.04-kilometer Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT) -Dingalan Road that will directly connect Bulacan and Aurora via Nueva Ecija,” Tolentino said.

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more than 2 years of pandemic restrictions.Ontheother

hand, Regional Director Roseller A. Tolentino closed the activity by thanking all officials and employees of DPWH Region III and by reminding them of their duty to help the government sustain pandemic recovery efforts through the implementation of infrastructure projects.

he Department of Public Works and Highways - Regional Office III celebrated its 124th Founding Anniversary at the Equipment and Management Division covered court in Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

DPWH RIII celebrates 124th founding anniversary

The two-day activity began on June 21, 2022 with a three-point shootout and an early cardio dance workout kicked off the activities on the second day followed by a dance contest participated by various divisions of the Regional Office. The Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division was adjudged as the dance contest’s winners while the Construction Division was hailed as the 3-point contest winner.Inhis welcome message, Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag expressed his gladness that an in-person gathering was finally held to celebrate the agency’s founding anniversary after

Under the leadership of its President Ronald Elayda, the DPWH Region III Employees Union took the lead in preparing and creating a fiesta atmosphere where the office was decorated with “banderitas”. A marching band also added pomp to the activity while employees were also treated with free “taho” and “sorbetes”.

Also recognized during the celebration were the DPWH employees who have rendered more than 40 years of government service as well as the beneficiaries of the employees’ union scholarship program. ###

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INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 NEWSBRIEFS 9 Dance Contest Grand ChampionQuality Assurance and Hydrology Division Dance Contest 1st Runner UpRight-of-Way Acquisition and Legal Division Dance Contest 2nd Runner UpConstruction Division

Tolentino said that the DPWH Regional Office already prepared a masterplan for the development of connectivity projects within Bataan’s major industrial areas.

Chief Arthur Santos in his presentation also clarified that the Economic Internal Rate of Return of this project is at 21.43%, which mean that the benefit outweighs the cost of the Constructionproject.ofthe PalihanMabiga-SBMA Access Road Project began with the development of the Mabiga-Morong-Subic Road in 2020 after it received an initial funding of P120 million.

ublic Works and Highways Region III Director Roseller

Tolentino together with Assistant Director Denise Maria Ayag discussed with Hermosa Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton the details of the ongoing construction of the Palihan-Mabiga-Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Access Road and the proposed Hermosa Interchange at the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

for the construction of the 4-lane, 7.43-kilometer Palihan-Mabiga Road.“To complete the PalihanMabiga Road section and its 3 bridge components, about P1.02 billion is still needed,” Tolentino quipped.During the coordination meeting, Mayor Inton proposed to give priority to the completion of the Palihan-Mabiga Road Section as it will be better for residents and motorists traveling in the Dinalupihan and Hermosa areas.

While for the project’s second segment, the national government has alloted P210 million under the CY 2021 and 2022 national budget

“This 4-lane road project with four (4) bridge components has a total length of 17.74 kilometers and an estimated total project cost of P4.05 billion. Our office already requested the release of another P120 million to continue the implementation of this project,” Tolentino said.

Planning and Design Division

Also present at the meeting were Construction Division Chief Florita Dela Cruz, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division Chief Wilfredo Fajardo, Engr. Jannet Nero and other support staff from the DPWH Regional Office.###

Coordination meeting on the development of AccessPalihan-Mabiga-SBMAtheRoad

“The Palihan-Mabiga-SBMA Access Road starts at Roman Expressway and will connect to SCTEX via the planned Hermosa Interchange and SBMA, thus providing a convenient transportation route for both trade and commerce between the industrial zones in Bataan and Zambales,” Tolentino explained.

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Luzon held at the Multipurpose Hall of the DPWH Regional Office III inRegionalPampanga.Director

Roseller

Also discussed at the meeting were various policy issuances and concerns affecting project implementation, financial accomplishments, and other issues related to right-of-way acquisition and the maintenance of national roads and bridges.

ublic Works Region III Director Roseller Tolentino and Assistant Director Denise Maria Ayag led the regional staff meeting attended by key officials from the Regional and District Engineering Offices held on June 6, 2022 at the DPWH Multipurpose Hall in Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

hief Administrative Officer Remedios Q. Laurel led the quarterly dialogue attended by Administrative Officers from various District Engineering Offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central

Tolentino and Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag also

ARD Ayag urged all District Engineers to closely monitor the implementation of their projects, comply with the newly released orders, and ensure they maintain their good performance which will result in better public service.###

Tolentino likewise acknowledged the efforts of the District Engineering Offices to achieve the Absorptive Capacity and Disbursement Rate targets, which resulted in the inclusion of DPWH Region III as one of the top-performing regional offices nationwide.Meanwhile,

“Tourism and manufacturing are considered as Region III’s main economic drivers thus there is a need to continue improving regional mobility by decongesting existing road networks through the implementation of road convergence projects such as farm-to-market and tourism roads,” Tolentino said.

In his welcome message, the Regional Director instructed all District Engineers to focus on the effective planning of road connectivity projects that will link Central Luzon towns and provinces with its neighboring regions.

DPWH Central Luzon regional staff meeting

delivered their messages and urged everyone to continue to perform their duties as compassionate public servants.###

Quarterly dialogue of administrative officers

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two-day annual gathering that began on May 19, 2022, issues related to architectural design and engineering were discussed, as well as matters contained in the various operational guidelines and policy issuances of the DPWH.

Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria M. Ayag commended Region 3 Planning and Design Chief Arthur Santos and all those involved in organizing the said event for their team spirit and hard work, as well as the Planning Engineers of the fourteen District Engineering Offices who gave their full support to make this annual coordination meeting a success.

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DPWH Region III hosts BOD, Regional Planning and Design Engineers Coordination Meeting

“These meaningful lectures can help enrich the technical competence of our engineers in planning and design,” Carvajal said.

The meeting participants were warmly welcomed by Public Works and Highways Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino and in his message, he acknowledged the importance of this event in sustaining planning and infrastructure development in the country.

ore than 70 employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways attended the first inperson coordination meeting between the Bureau of Design and Regional Planning and Design Engineers since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in March 2020.Atthe

Also present at the meeting were Bureau of Design OICDirector Edwin C. Matanguihan along with all his Division Chiefs as well as representatives from the different divisions of the Planning Service.###

“The success of any project implementation is anchored on judicious planning and design, that encompasses the intricate integral elements, from site surveys up to the well thought placement of every detail in all our infrastructure projects. As we continue to establish a pipeline of high-quality projects that contribute to social and economic growth, the role of Planning and Design Engineers is crucial because the Department’s infrastructure investments have a direct impact on social equity and in improving potential economic benefits,” Tolentino explained.

Undersecretary for Technical Services Maximo Carvajal on the other hand opened the meeting by thanking DPWH Region III for hosting the annual coordination meeting and likewise encouraged all attendees to make the most of the activity by listening to the presentations of the invited resource speakers and actively participate in all discussions.

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Amid growing concerns over knowsinpublicintegritytransparency,toorganizeInformationtheissuesintimelyrolerecognizedEngineeringofficersitsrelatedaccuratestrivesAffairsHighwaysDepartmentproliferationdisinformationwidespreadandoffakenews,theofPublicWorksand-RegionalOfficeIIIPublicandInformationOfficetoprovidethepublicwithnewsandinformationtotheimplementationofprojectsandprograms.TheimportanceofinformationinvariousDistrictOfficesisnowbecauseoftheiractiveincommunicatingtothepublicnewsandinformationandresolvinginfrastructure-relatedandconcerns.ThiswasthemainreasonwhyRegionalPublicAffairsandOfficedecidedtoawebinarthatwouldhelpinstillinthemtheprinciplesofaccountabilityandastheyperformtheircommunicationduties.But,dowereallyneedintegritypublicinformation?Everydistrictcommunicatortheyneedtoshowcasethe

During his talk, Manalili stressed that integrity in the workplace – in front and behind your co-workers – promotes better leaders; helps foster an open and positive work environment; promotes an ethical approach to decision-making; encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion; promotes a strong and resilient team; and actively builds and maintains trust.

Aside from having healthy relations with stakeholders, the webinar also emphasized the importance of good relationships between employees, which can be achieved through good character and work ethic.

Webinar on Integrity and Excellence at Work

office’s accomplishments whether through print, social media posts or even through audio video presentation, with objectivity, honesty, effectiveness, and excellence. We have a tremendous responsibility to inform the public of the status of our implemented projects and we also need to address their questions openly, thus building our reputation, anchored on integrity-driven public communication practices.

“For me, naging refresher sa atin yung seminar from the usual workrelated topics. Tumatak sa akin yung dapat maging self-conscious tayo sa attitude natin sa workplace or how we treat our workmates din even behind their backs kasi at the end of the day, hindi lang skills ang magpapatagal sa atin, it’s the attitude, the character,” –Patricia Manalo, Pampanga 3rd District Engineering Office.###

In collaboration with Top Link Global College, Inc., the webinar on Integrity and Excellence and Work was held on May 5, 2022 moderated by Mr. Eduardo Manalili and attended by 57 employees from various District Public Affairs and Information Units in the Region III.

Having integrity was explained as essential to the performance of each employee’s duties to build trust. And for information officers who frequently interact with the public using modern digital, online and social platforms, they need to gain and maintain the trust of their clients and even their followers on social media – a way to earn a positive reputation in the eyes of the public.

Social Media Marketing and Content Creation Workshop

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Earlier this year, PIA-Central Luzon also held a webinar on Basic News Writing where Datu was also the resource speaker.###

n collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Central Luzon, another skills enhancement workshop was held and attended by information officers and their technical staff from the different offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Luzon from June 20 to 21, 2022.

(Posting Techniques, Production of Digital Products, Vlogging) Media

PIA-Central Luzon Deputy Regional Director Carlo Lorenzo Datu and PIA Tarlac Multi-Media Assistant Gabriela Liana Barela facilitated the training sessions focused on Crafting Good Stories (News and Feature Writing), Photojournalism, Audio-Video Presentation Production and Social Media Management

Relations.Meanwhile, Regional Director

their efforts to inform the public of the agency’s achievements.

Roseller Tolentino thanked PIA Central Luzon for sharing their expertise with DPWH information officers and said this training will help improve their ability to create highly engaging content.

During the opening of the 2-day Content Creation and Social Media Seminar Workshop, Public Works and Highways Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag commended the District Public Affairs and Information Units for

“I encourage you all to enjoy and learn from this workshop and use the knowledge you gain in improving your crafts,” Ayag said.

o further enhance the capacity of technical staff working in various District Public Affairs and Information Offices, a training workshop on Basic to Advanced Video Production is being offered by the Department of Public Works and Highways - Regional Office III for employees involved in video editing, drone flying, and camera handling.DPWH

The Regional Public Affairs and Information Office partnered with Mr. Marvin Lim of Brainfreeze Multimedia Services to conduct training in various aspects of video

Region III Director Roseller Tolentino pushed for the conduct of the training program because he sees the need for producing credible and informative video contents to better communicate the agency’s programs, projects and activities to the public.

DPWH Region III Public Affairs and Information Office offers training on video production

“Our stakeholders are more engaged on social media and we have observed that the public uses this platform more often to communicate and in fact, our office continues to receive complaints or feedback through our official Facebook page. So, we can maximize the mileage of our social media account by publicly communicating our achievements and in this case, through audiovideo presentations,” Tolentino said.Thirty-six (36) participants registered for the 2-day workshop which began on May 25, 2022.

This capacity building activity was made possible with the support of Regional Director Tolentino, Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria M. Ayag, Chief Administrative Officer Remedios Q. Laurel Supply and Management Section Chief Ronald V. Elayda, and Regional Information Technology Support Officer Ryan S. Apolonio.###

production such as basic camera work, video editing, use of proper graphics and text, color grading and correction, music scoring, sound design, voice over and dubbing, drone flying, actual use of camera, lens, gimbal, lights, boom mic, lapel, and audio recorder, and to assess what the participants learned in the 2-day workshop, each submitted an AVP as their training output.

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“Acquiring one unit of heavy equipment is costly which is why DPWH-BOE ensures that our equipment operators are knowledgeable on its proper and safe use, the reason why we required our technical team from Nueva Ecija 1st DEO to undergo three days of training so that they become familiar with the safe operation of such equipment,” Lopez said.

This additional heavy equipment issued by the BOE to the Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Section (NEAES) is expected to help expedite desilting operations in the said river.

DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st DEO receives new heavy equipment

“This project is being implemented by administration and with the help of Director Toribio Noel Ilao, Region III Equipment Management Division Chief Danilo Danganan, and Nueva Ecija Area Engineer Edwin Lopez, we were able to deploy one (1) unit each of Wheel Backhoe, Crawler-Type Backhoe, Vibratory Roller, Dump Truck and two (2) units of Bulldozers

he Department of Public Works and HighwaysNueva Ecija 1st District Engineer received from the Bureau of Equipment (BOE) a brand-new road grader that can be used in highway-maintenance and disaster quick-response activities.

DPWH-BOE deploys additional equipment for desilting project in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija

“The office appreciates the BOE’s support of this project by deploying this additional equipment that will help improve project implementation efficiency,” Trinidad said.

which are used in the desilting activities,” District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad

The training activity held on May 11-13, 2022 at the former DPWHNCR RES Compound in Bicutan, Taguig City was a combination of online classroom and practical hands-on instruction covering topics including safety, hazard identification, equipment safety features.###

Earlierexplained.thisyear,the local DPWH office in Cabanatuan City and NEAES initiated the project aimed at removing sediments and other silt materials in the wat erway, and to keep the water flowing thus increasing the river’s carrying capacity.

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“The use of heavy equipment is needed in almost all construction and maintenance activities undertaken by our engineering offices and DPWH-BOE continues to assist our District Engineering Offices in upgrading their existing equipment fleet,” Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Engineer Edwin L. Lopez

Engr Marvin Liwanag, Dredge Master III from the BOE, is in charge of the ongoing desilting operations in Nueva Ecija.###

Lopezsaid.added that having a sufficient number of available heavy equipment will enable DPWH offices to respond effectively during a disaster and they will be able to efficiently carry out other activities that require its use.

he Department of Public Works and HighwaysBureau of Equipment (BOE) has provided the Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office with one (1) Articulated Dump Truck in support of the ongoing desilting of the Dupinga River in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

that the province of Aurora is often hit by disasters and we really need to augment our

Meanwhile, District Engineer Roderick A. Andal said the training conducted was necessary to ensure that operators and technicians would be provided with technical knowledge on the

DPWH-ADEO personnel train for heavy equipment operation

Meanwhile, District Maintenance Engineer Raymond Jay Panlilio said the new equipment will also be used in the transportation of construction materials, clearing operations, and other related activities which will require heavy equipment.###

This brand-new equipment will be of great help especially in carrying out various activities related to construction and maintenance such as road clearing operations.“Weallknow

“We have 4 maintenance teams consisting of Maintenance Point Persons and a total of 26 roadside workers who are responsible for the maintenance of our national roads,” Ines said.

new backhoe loader was recently acquired by the Department of Public Works and Highways - Tarlac 2nd District Engineering Office to be used by the Maintenance Section for quick emergency response and road maintenance activities.

safe operation and maintenance of said equipment.

District Engineer Hermon Ines cited that the district office has jurisdiction over a total of 102.885 kilometers of national roads in the 3rd legislative district of Tarlac.

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The district engineer added that the new heavy equipment will help them expedite the conduct of routine maintenance activities and will enable them to provide faster disaster response and recovery activities.

According to Acting Area Equipment Engineer Reynan L. Pengson, the free on-site skills training was conducted by Inframachineries Corporation and attended by three heavy equipment operators and four drivers, all with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certificate (NC) II in Heavy Equipment Operation.

existing equipment fleet so that we can respond properly during disasters particularly in conducting cleanup and restoration activities,” AndalWithsaid.the acquisition of the new Doosan wheel loader, the office now maintains seven (7) heavy equipment that they can use in highway maintenance and quick response operations.###

even employees of the Department of Public Works and HighwaysAurora District Engineering Office underwent free training for the operation and maintenance of the newly acquired Doosan wheel loader on June 14-25, 2022.

Tarlac 2nd DEO acquires new heavy equipment

echnical employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways - Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Section headed by Nueva Ecija Area Engineer Edwin Lopez and Engr. Marvin Liwanag attended a twoday training for the operation of the newly delivered heavy equipment.

IN PHOTOS

DPWH NEAES employees attend training on equipment operation and maintenance

Results of the ISO 9001:2015 Recertification Audit conducted on March 7-10, 2022 were discussed by the DPWH Regional Office III QMS Core Team to the different office process owners.

Crawler Excavator to be used in the agency’s ongoing desilting operations on the Dupinga River in Gabaldon.“Ourheavy equipment fleet are also needed for emergency quick response and disaster restoration activities,” Danganan added.

In his report to DPWH Region III Director Roseller Tolentino, Equipment Management Division Chief Danilo Danganan said that the Bureau of Equipment (BOE) has facilitated the issuance of the Doosan DA45 Articulated Dump Truck and Doosan DX800LC-5B

Meanwhile, Lopez said that comprehensive training of equipment operators and technicians is needed so that they become aware of the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the newly acquired heavy-duty vehicles.

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“The intensive classroom session as well as the training reinforcement on the actual operation of the new heavy equipment was truly useful to our technical team, and we would like to thank Tri-Globe Transport Services and Trading, Inc. for the knowledge and skills they have shared with us,” Lopez explained.NEAES

employees who underwent the 2-day training were Alkalih Baldeh, Jayvee Ferreria, Krushev Ferrer, Ely Soriano, Edwin Valmonte, and Romeo Ulasiman.###

SAMAhan ng mga KAwaning NAgkakaisa (SAMAKANA) Region III Federation President Marlene Sabado met with employee union representatives from Regional Office III and the three (3) District Engineering Offices in Pampanga on June 7, 2022. At the meeting, scheduled activities in connection with the celebration of the 124th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways were discussed.

Reorientation of DPWH Regional Office III employees on the preparation and updating of the Individual Development Plan.

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DPWH activates Holy Week “Lakbay-Alalay” on April 13, deploys motorist assistance teams in Central Luzon’s major thoroughfares

he Department of Public Works and Highways reactivated its Holy Week “Lakbay-Alalay” Program on April 13, 2022, in accordance with the issued order of Acting Secretary Roger Mercado.

Each motorist assistance team were equipped with maintenance equipment and deployed 24/7 to provide emergency assistance and ensure that major roads under the jurisdiction of the district engineering offices are properly maintained and free of obstructions.“Ourmaintenance teams were also instructed to ensure that

In response, DPWH Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino immediately issued a directive to all 14 district engineering offices in Central Luzon to deploy their Motorist Assistance Teams to ensure a safe and orderly traffic flow in the region’s major thoroughfares during the Lenten season.

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destinations that families can stay this Lenten break, that is why we are anticipating an influx of travelers in addition to the returning residents especially now that there has been an ease in travel restrictions due to the drop in COVID-19 cases in the country,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino also reminded all District Engineers for the proper installation of signages and warning signs within clear and safe sight distance of all ongoing construction projects; and that legible informational and directional sign be placed on conspicuous locations along national roads within their jurisdictions.###

reflectorized pavement markings are installed to guide night-driving motorists and that all kilometer posts bear legible details and information to guide motorists and tourists,” Tolentino added.

“There are several pilgrimage sites in Central Luzon that devotees often visit as well as many staycation

Some of the Area Equipment Sections personnel who provide emergency roadside services in the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac were:

Technical personnel from various Area Equipment Sections assisted the DPWH District Engineering Offices in the operation of the agency’s motorist assistance network across Central Luzon during Holy Week.

“The technical assistance offered by our area equipment sections allows us to provide more convenient services to motorists”

“Many vehicle-related incidents have been reported and promptly assisted by our technical teams. Similarly, the highway maintenance equipment we placed at various motorist assistance centers helped tow vehicles involved in road accidents, that is why we are grateful for the support of our Area Equipment Engineers in the

Area Equipment Section: Ayban V. Laxanana, Manuel C. Fortunato, Teodolo Cristobal, Ireneo Cristobal, Danilo Macaalay, Juben Valledor, Melchor Delos Santos, and Gerardo Roxas.###

Area Equipment

Section: Mario Castro, Jose Santiago, Jesus Dayao, and Jun Villajuan.Nueva

- RD Tolentino

from the Area Equipment Sections in Aurora, Bulacan, and Tarlac were also positioned at motorist assistance centers managed by DPWH district offices in the said provinces.

operation of our motorist assistance network,” Tolentino remarked.

Ecija Area Equipment

Meanwhile, DPWH Region III Director Roseller Tolentino said the coordination of various Area Equipment Sections and District Engineering Offices has helped in providing more convenient services in the areas served by DPWH roadside assistance stations.

roadside assistance at any time because we make sure we have mechanics and repair technicians on duty round-the-clock,” Lopez said.Personnel

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Aurora Equipment Section: Marcelo Everio, Manolito Aguila, Cris Querijero, Bayani Caballes, Allan Panapanaan and Raymond Belizario.Bulacan

Section: Rogelio dela Rosa, Edwin Valmonte, Richard Valmonte, Sammy Lumibao, and James Medina.Tarlac

“Auto mechanics, repair technicians and heavy equipment operators are really needed in our motorist assistance centers because most of the emergency assistance requests are related to vehicle breakdowns,” Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Engr. Edwin Lopez explained.Lopezadded that their office has assigned four (4) mechanics and one (1) equipment inspector to various motorist assistance stations in Nueva Ecija to provide expert technical assistance and guidance to motorists.“Ourteam can offer solutions to common vehicle problems experienced by motorists such as overheating, flat tires, and brake troubles and we are ready to provide the public emergency

HR NEWS

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this type of activity due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Roque said.

o inform the employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office III about the agency’s employment policies on work hours, attendance, punctuality, compensation, benefits and other internal office procedures and systems, an orientation was conducted by the Human Resource Management Section (HRMS) on May 30 and June 6, 2022 at the DPWH RIII

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“It is pleasing that we have once again had an orientation for our employees after not conducting

DPWH RIII conducts orientation for recently hired employees

Multipurpose Hall in Sindalan, San Fernando City, Pampanga.

According to HRMS Chief Yozelle Roque, a total of 89 permanent and contract of service employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office III attended the orientation.

Topics discussed during the orientation were the Vision, Mission, Quality Policy and Core Values of the Department; Office Rules and Regulations; Leave Benefits; Strategic Performance Management System and Quality Management System.###

For her part, Pangandaman expressed confidence on the leadership of Marcos to steer a course of stability and progress for the

During the SONA, the Chief Executive underscored the need to institute government programs to achieve sound fiscal management, in order to swiftly address the effects of the pandemic to the economy.“Interms of the economy we will implement a sound fiscal management. Tax administration reforms will be in place to increase revenue collection. Expenditure priorities will be realigned and spending efficiency will be improved to immediately address the economic scarring arising from the effects of the COVID-19 and also to prepare for future shocks,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.“The

Pangandaman backs Marcos’ campaign for prudent fiscal management

“Theeconomy.economy is in good hands with our President,” Pangandaman said.“The

“We, at the Department of Budget and Management, are one with the President and vow to contribute to the pursuit of economic prosperity where no one is left behind,” the Budget chief

Photo courtesy of: Philippine News Agency

MTFF (medium-term fiscal framework) is our response to the socio-economic needs of our people today for competitiveness, inclusivity and sustainability so we are grateful that President Marcos is 100% attuned to this economic transformation agenda of the economic managers,” the Secretary added.Pangandaman likewise expressed her gratitude to Congress for the support the bicameral legislature has given to the 2022-2028 MTFF.

to Pangandaman, the DBM will facilitate the implementation of reforms to reverse the pandemic’s adverse effects, sustain current economic gains, and restore the country’s development trajectory.

ANILA – Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III NATIONALNEWS 24

Accordingsaid.

complete integrity, competence, and diligence,” Pangandaman said.

Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy of this Administration seeks to attain short-term macrofiscal stability while remaining supportive of the country’s economic recovery and aims to promote medium-term fiscal sustainability. Furthermore and more importantly, fiscal policy

“We shall maximize our limited fiscal space and commit to prioritizing food sufficiency, infrastructure, and climate change goals. And we will do so with

aims to bring together the national government’s resources so that these are mobilized and utilized in order to gain the maximum benefit and the higher multiplier effect on our economy,” Marcos added.

Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday expressed support on the campaign of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. towards achieving prudent fiscal management and bureaucratic efficiency, as outlined in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Rightsizing will strengthen the entire organization through the implementation of structural and procedural reforms that will ensure the government’s efficiency and productivity,” she highlighted.

“The Budget Modernization Bill seeks the institutionalization of the Cash-based Budgeting System (CBS) under Executive Order No. 91, s. 2019, to strengthen fiscal discipline in the allocation and use of budget resources by ensuring that every peso budgeted by the government would lead to the actual delivery of programs and projects. The full implementation of the CBS is timely and vital as the government executes response and recovery plans post-pandemic,” President Marcos said.

Digital transformation

In his speech, Marcos stressed on the importance of pushing forward his administration’s campaign on digitalization.“Weareentering an age of exponential adoption of technology. It is the 4th industrial revolution. This will be characterized by the infusion of technology into almost every facet of our lives. Breakthrough technologies in the areas of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, nanotechnologies, internet of things… among others that will radically transform the way business is done,” the President said.Pangandaman

To this end, Pangandaman said that the DBM will support the streamlining of the bureaucracy through the NGRP which will also generate savings for the government to fund priority projects.“Atthe

Pangandaman said the DBM shall roll out its first 100-day Roadmap on Digitalization to diminish human discretion and eradicate corruption, through the exploration of capabilities of cloud infrastructure and application programming interfaces (APIs) for real-time processing of government service, as well as blockchain technology for decentralized

“With Congress’s support for the MTFF, efforts will be harmonized which will facilitate prompt formulation and adoption of policies and reforms that will help the country back on the path to rapid economic growth,” the Budget chief stated.

Marcos ordered the establishment of a lean, efficient and responsive government workforce.“[Thisis]

Under the CBS, all appropriations shall be made available for obligation and implemented only until the end of each fiscal year, while payments for obligations incurred may be settled within the year or up to an extended period of three months after the end of the validity of appropriations. This will address bottlenecks in obligations, which will lead to on-time implementation and disbursement of the government’s programmed projects.

“Compared to previous government reorganization efforts, the NGRP [National Government Rightsizing Program] will entail a comprehensive strategic review of the functions, operations, organization, systems and processes of the different agencies, and massive and transformational initiatives in agencies concerned, such as merger, consolidation, splitting, transfer, and abolition of offices. The rightsizing efforts will also involve the conduct of a comprehensive strategic review of functions, programs and projects that cuts across various agencies,” the President added.

vowed to support the President’s push for digitalization that will accord the highest priority to public sector programs that promote transparency, accountability and good

transparency.“Ultimately, emerging technologies and capabilities will be utilized to digitize government processes, in accordance with the President’s 8-point socio-economic agenda,” Pangandaman said.

Rightsizing for lean, efficient gov’t workforce

The Chief Executive likewise identified the Budget Modernization Bill as a priority legislative measure of his administration. He underscored the need to fully implement the CashBased Budgeting System (CBS) as part of the government’s thrust.

a reform mechanism that seeks to enhance the government’s institutional capacity to perform its mandate/functions and provide better services, while ensuring optimal and efficient use of resources,” Marcos emphasized.

To fulfill this directive, Pangandaman said that the DBM will ensure the adoption and strengthening of the CBS implementation for the whole-ofgovernment, coupled with other key reforms such as the Early Procurement Activity, to sustain the initial gains and “ensure that every peso budgeted by the government would lead to the actual delivery of programs and projects.”

secretary, however, pointed out that the NGRP does not automatically equate to the reduction in the number of personnel in government agencies.

“Wegovernance.shallexpedite the digitalization of our public financial management system and the reforms on the procurement process and law,” she said.

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Cash-based budgeting system

“We will focus on enhancing the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS), that facilitates the generation of vital information on all aspects of government financial transactions, to be made publicly

end of the day, a bloated and double-layered bureaucracy is a great disservice and a burden to our citizenry,” Pangandaman underscored.TheBudget

To realize this, the Budget chief stated that the DBM, together with the Department of Finance, Bureau of Treasury, and the Commission on Audit, will fast-track the development and implementation of the Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS) -- an integrated, webbased and fully-automated system designed to streamline and monitor various financial transactions of government agencies, which is an integral part of the GIFMIS.

accessible through information technology,” the Secretary added.

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Budget chief said that the DBM issued Local Budget Circular No. 146 dated July 7, 2022 prescribing

the guidelines on the release and utilization of the Local Government Support Fund - Growth Equity Fund (LGSF-GEF), while the DILG initiated capacity development efforts and interventions in support of full devolution.Pangandaman

(Pangandaman backs... Continued from page 25) DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III NATIONALNEWS 26

“The implementation of the BTMS is a crucial digitalization initiative. It has already been introduced and pilot-tested by the government, and is presently being reviewed for improvement and optimization,” Pangandaman said.

Empowering LGUs

Towards a green public procurement

Manual is currently being crafted to guide procurement practitioners in embedding green specifications. To date, the government has seven Commonuse Supplies and Equipment (CSE) items with green specifications,” the Budget chief said.

“As we navigate our way to full economic recovery with prudent fiscal management and enhanced bureaucratic efficiency, I am confident that we will achieve our goals for economic transformation, growth, and sustainability,” she said. (PR)

In order to support the Marcos administration’s goal of ensuring sustainable management and use of natural resources by 2030, the Budget chief stated that the DBM, through the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), will spearhead the implementation of the Green Public Procurement (GPP) Roadmap.

noted that the Committee on Devolution, led by the DBM and the DILG, will reevaluate and strengthen the framework upon which the devolution will be anchored to ensure continuous and efficient delivery of essential government services, while promoting local economic growth and autonomy.

The GPP Roadmap was crafted with a circumspect approach that reflects the principle of value for money, addresses suppliers’ readiness and builds on the capacity of existing procurement practitioners in government. This aims to radically transform the Philippine market by integrating green choices in public procurement and with the long-term perspective of achieving sustainable public procurement initiative.“AGPP

Aligned of the President’s SONA message of empowering local government units (LGUs), Pangandaman conveyed that the DBM will uphold Executive Order No. 138, which provides for the implementation of the full devolution of certain national government’s functions to the

LGUs.The

From July 2016 to May 2022, DPWH has constructed, maintained, widened, and improved a total of 40,080 kilometers of national roads, 6,854 national bridges, and 13,917 flood-control projects.

DPWH marks 124th anniversary

DPWH anniversary highlighted agency achievements in the last six (6) years under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Administration, especially its significant role in the recovery efforts during pandemic.“Today, we and our work are testaments to how far we have contributed to the noble task of nation building. We continued to bravely build, build, and build, even in the midst of the deathly threat

of the pandemic”, declared Acting Secretary Mercado.

epartment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado, together with officials and employees of the DPWH nationwide, led the simultaneous celebration of the Department’s 124th Anniversary on June 23, 2022 with theme “DPWH @ 124: Road from Recovery to Prosperity”.Athanksgiving

The accomplishments would not be possible without the sacrifice and dedication of the hardworking men and women of the Department whose unflinching heart to serve raised the bar of good governance and public service delivery.

mass was held at the DPWH Central Office in Port Area, Manila. To celebrate the milestone, compulsory retirees and employees who have been with the Department for 40 years were recognized through an awarding ceremony. Co-terminus key officials were given Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of their invaluable service to theThisDepartment.year’s

“Let us be reminded that DPWH has always been at the forefront of government response and recovery efforts, ignoring the risk to our own lives to save our countrymen,” said Secretary Mercado.

With few remaining days left before the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ends on June 30 along with his appointed Cabinet officials, Acting Secretary Mercado was very much honored to have the opportunity to lead DPWH and contribute to the legacy of service of the Department.

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In every major calamity and disaster like Yolanda, Odette, Mayon Volcano, Mt. Pinatubo, Ormoc, and Guinsaugon, the DPWH men and women were always there at the front lines 24/7, clearing the debris, repairing roads and bridges, making it easier for victims to receive relief goods, and helping restore normalcy in the affected areas.

“This organization will outlive us. Our task, your task, is to make it stronger, more relevant, more innovative, more efficient and more effective as it continues to blaze new roads, bridges, and launch more projects in the days and years ahead,” Acting Secretary Mercado added.

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III FEATURESTORY 28

Apart from the implementation of road and bridge projects that the DPWH is known for, the agency is also building other public infrastructure such as flood control systems, water resource projects, and other structures intended for public service delivery.

“We have a team of field engineers assigned to oversee the implementation of DPWH projects throughout the region who tirelessly strive to ensure its timely completion,” Construction Division Chief Florita Dela Cruz said.

This only proves that DPWH Region III is keen to invest more in infrastructure which is the foundation of the country’s sustainable economic growth.###

Despite the threat of COVID-19 both in the workplace and construction sites, the Regional Construction Division was still able to achieve their targets in terms of project completion.

In Central Luzon, the Construction Division of DPWH Regional Office III ensures that all implemented infrastructure projects comply with approved

“All completed structures are now in use by its intended beneficiaries while for our multiyear projects, we closely monitor its implementation and ensure that each phase is carried-out as planned,” Dela Cruz added.

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nfrastructure development is an important driver of the economic growth of a country, region or city, as it allows businesses and trade to thrive, provide employment opportunities and attract domestic and foreign investors.Asone of three government agencies tasked with undertaking major infrastructure projects, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) actively implements programs focused on upgrading public facilities, systems, and structures; thus addressing any infrastructure gaps and spurring local economies.

plans and specifications to ensure the delivery of high quality infrastructure that will improve the lives of the public.

of our stakeholders and support Central Luzon’s unabated economic resurgence,” Dela Cruz remarked.

“We are implementing projects that are expected to have a significant impact on the lives

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III CONSTRUCTIONUPDATES 30

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of the girders or the bridge superstructure for spans 1 to 4, as well as the construction of deck slabs are also included in this“Thestage.

The bridge replacement project will be implemented by the Regional Construction Division in two phases with funding allocation of P67.55 million and P115 million respectively, sourced from the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III CONSTRUCTIONUPDATES 32

Others who attended the activity were San Luis Mayor Ariel De Jesus, Vice Mayor Tristan Eric Pimentel, Diteki Barangay Captain Gonzalo Carlos, Regional Construction Division Chief Florita Dela Cruz, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division Chief Wilfredo Fajardo, Assistant Construction Division Chief Jayson Jauco, Aurora District Engineer Roderick Andal and OICAssistant District Engineer Benelito Pascua.###

DPWH breaks ground for Diteki Bridge replacement project in Aurora

Meanwhile, Representative Angara acknowledged the important role of DPWH’s infrastructure investments that

Ayag in his message said that this new structure will serve as a replacement for the existing narrow steel bridge that has been damaged by time.

“When completed, this new bridge will be able to accommodate an increased variety of vehicles as it is designed with a wider deck for easy passage in both directions, thus making traffic smooth in the area particularly during the peak of the tourists’ influx,” Ayag explained.

implementation of this project is part of DPWH’s commitment to support Aurora’s tourism and economic growth, and to further improve inter-provincial mobility,” Ayag added.

The first phase of the bridge replacement project involves the construction of bored piles for abutment “A & B” and piers “1 to 7”, columns for all the piers, and coping beams for all the abutment andThepiers.launching

have helped the development of the province and created a positive impact on the lives of its residents.

ublic Works and Highways Region III Assistant Director Denise Maria Ayag together with Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel Angara led on June 24, 2022 the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new 208.8-linear meter Diteki Bridge in San Luis, Aurora.

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Luzon.The

“As of April 2022, the project’s Phase VI has an accomplishment rate of 6.5% and we are targeting its full opening by October this year. Once completed, it will no longer be necessary for travelers to cross the one-way access road over the Canili-Diayo Dam and traffic will be diverted from the existing CaniliAlfonso Castañeda Road to this new road,” Tolentino said.

Director cited that road network reliability is essential in providing the much-needed boost to Central Luzon’s tovurism industry the reason why they continue to implement interconnectivity projects between provinces in the region.###

Improvement of Pantabangan-Canili Bypass Road to be completed by year end

otorists will soon have a more convenient travel to Baler, Aurora with the impending completion of road improvements along the 4-kilometer PantabanganCanili Bypass Road traversing the towns of Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija, Alfonso Castañeda in Nueva Vizcaya, and Canili in Aurora.

Under the FY 2021 General Appropriations Act, the national government has allocated P105.40 million for the sixth phase of the project which includes the completion of Canili Bridge III and other structures at Canili Bridge I and II, and the widening of 3.293-kilometer section of the said bypass road.

Meanwhile, Tolentino emphasized that the DPWH is simultaneously undertaking road projects that will provide travelers and tourists easy access to the top tourism destinations not only in Aurora but in the whole of Central

“DPWH started construction of the bypass road in 2013 and in December 2021, the first five phases of the project were reported to have been completed, however, the project’s bridge components have not yet been fully finished,” Public Works and Highways Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino clarified.

Althoughexplained.somesections of the bypass road remain unfunded, Tolentino is confident that the national government will provide the necessary funds to fully complete the entire length of the bypass

“Whenroad.

“The Regional Construction Division commenced with the construction of this new bypass road project in 2018 by conducting

RD Tolentino: “Work continues on the Pampanga Southern Bypass Road Project”

ublic Works and Highways Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino provided an update on the ongoing construction of the multi-year bypass road project connecting the municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Guagua, Minalin, Sasmuan, and Lubao that started construction in 2018.Also called the Pampanga Southern Bypass Project, this new road is part of the planned Pampanga Megalopolis and is one of the priority projects of DPWH Regional Office III that will address the perennial traffic congestion on major roads in the province including Manila North Road and Jose Abad Santos Avenue.

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III CONSTRUCTIONUPDATES 34

the road opening of 2.12 kilometers for the Lubao-Guagua Section and another 1.67-kilometer road opening for the Sto. Tomas-Minalin Section. Included in the project’s scope of work were the clearing and construction of the roadway embankment while a series of box culverts were also built along the various sections of the project’s proposed alignment,” Tolentino said.Tolentino

completed, the Pampanga Southern Bypass Road will decongest Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) and other peripheral roads leading to Bataan and Zambales. It will also be more convenient for motorists to travel on the North Luzon Expressway as this road will connect to the Sto. Tomas Exit of the said controlled-access highway,” Tolentino remarked.###

added that a total of P4.08 billion had been released in 2018 to 2022 for the construction of the roadway embankment and drainage.“For2021, we received a budget of P281 million for the construction of two (2) bridges along the road’s alignment and as of April 30, 2022, the 104.80-lineal meter bridge at the Lubao-Guagua Section is 68.13% complete while the 76.60-lineal

meter bridge at the Sto. TomasMinalin Section has a current accomplishment rate of 77.43%,” Tolentino

“This multi-year project started in 2020 when the initial allocation of P120 million was released by

The construction of the 7.264-kilometer Mabiga-Palihan Section on the other hand was given a total of P200 million under the 2021 national budget.

“Right now, we are working on this project by phases and there are a lot of extensive works that needs to be done before it can be fully used by the public. The Regional Construction Division and our Bataan 1st District Engineering Office are committed to fast-track the implementation of this project,” Tolentino said.###

DPWH starts construction on new access road connecting CL’s industrial zones

he Department of Public Works and HighwaysRegional Office III reported that road opening projects are currently underway along the 17.74-kilometer access road that will connect the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to the Mabiga Exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in

Works and Highways Region III Director Roseller Tolentino said this new diversion road will bring the Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park closer to major seaports and airports in the region, and it will also be linked to the Luzon Spine Expressway Network thus providing ease in inter-regional accessibility.

INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 CONSTRUCTIONUPDATES 35

the national government for the improvement of the 3.95-kilometer Mabiga-Morong segment, which as of March 31, 2022 had an accomplishment rate of 74.28%,” Tolentino clarified.

The multi-year access road project has a total estimated cost of P4.05 billion and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Tolentino furthered that better road networks are important drivers for business expansion and economic growth and the DPWH is striving to address the expected increase in traffic to be caused by future developments in the industrial areas of Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga.

“Our thrust is to increase our road investments in the region. Expanding our existing road networks in the country’s industrial heartland will primarily benefit ecozone locators as there will be greater mobility that can result to lower business costs and faster delivery of goods and services,” Tolentino explained.

Bataan.Public

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DISTRICTNEWS 36

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not only the students but also the entire“Whencommunity.Ilearned of the plight of the community, I immediately endorsed this project to the DPWH employees union and told them to plan how we could help and serve them,” Ines SAMAKANAsaid.

National High School is located in one of the hardest to reach rural communities in Capas and essential supplies like potable water are not readily accessible,” District Engineer Hermon Ines explained.

Ines furthered that the KNHS Principal personally requested assistance for the provision of a water system that would benefit

“Napakalaking tulong po nito sa ating mga mag-aaral at sa mga katutubo dito sa community

School Head Dexter B. Dungca thanked DE Ines and the Tarlac 2nd employees union for their donation.

Tarlac 2nd DEO, SAMAKANA donate water supply system to KNHS in Capas

President Engr.

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DISTRICTNEWS 38

Every year, the office conducts community outreach programs as part of their anniversary celebration.###

Tarlac.“Kalangitan

Julio Elano Villanis with the help of union officials and members worked on the installation of the water supply system which brought joy to the whole KNHS community.

natin. Kasi kapag wala silang tubig, dito po sila kumukuha sa atin sa paaralan. Hindi po kami magsasawang magpasalamat and to show our appreciation to DE Hermon and to DPWH Tarlac 2nd DEO kasi ngayon ang Kalangitan High School ay mayroon nang sariling tubig na nakatutulong sa lahat,” Principal Dungca said.

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Tarlac 2nd District Engineering Office and the SAMAhan ng mga KAwaning NAgkakaisa (SAMAKANA) commemorate the agency’s founding anniversary by donating a water supply system to Kalangitan National High School in Capas,

Meanwhile, Villanis said this year’s project is very different from the ones they have previously undertaken considering that the water supply system is extremely important to the school and community particularly in improving sanitation.

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Aurora District Engineering Office recognizes the importance of building modern facilities that will facilitate a better sporting experience for Aurora residents and aspiring athletes.

systems, water supply, standby power supply, athlete lockers and public toilets for the convenience of our athletes and park visitors,” Andal

INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 DISTRICTNEWS 39

Memberssaid.

The P37.97-million sports facility will rise on a 6,561.10-square meter property and will have amenities such as a spacious parking area, an administrative office and view deck, a well-lighted skate park, a new 400 seating capacity grandstand, and a common park.

of the Taga Baler Skateboarding Community (TBSC) who will benefit from the project also attended the activity. TBSC has produced a silver medalist in the Men’s Street Skateboarding competition at the 30th Southeast Asian Game in 2019 through Renzo Mark Feliciano.###

Recently, District Engineer Roderick Andal together with Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel Angara and Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan Angara led the groundbreaking ceremony of a skateboarding park in Brgy. Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora.

Construction of skateboarding park begins in Baler, Aurora

“This outdoor park is designed not only for the enjoyment of local skateboard enthusiasts but it can also be used as a venue for national skateboarding competitions. It features skating obstacles for beginners, intermediate and professional skateboarders and will be equipped with CCTV’s, sound

“As of 2021, our office has completed and turned-over eight projects worth P 81.97 million that have provided our Scout Rangers with comfortable living quarters, conducive working spaces and we have also improved road connectivity within the camp,” Leaño

DPWH joins inspection of TIKAS projects at Camp Tecson

ssistant District Engineer

Meanwhile, ADE Leaño also assured the DND Undersecretary that the DPWH will expedite construction activities to ensure the timely completion of five military support facilities that are in various stages of completion and will benefit military and nonuniformed personnel.

Alsosaid.present at the activity were Bulacan 2nd Engineers Edgardo Sarto, Nestor Tuazon,

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DISTRICTNEWS 40

The DPWH delegation and other guests were welcomed by FSRR Regiment Commander BGen. Freddie T. Dela Cruz and Deputy Commander Rommel S. Pagayon.###

During the program, Ltc. Don Adrian Cabotaje updated Usec. Mapagu on the status of current projects implemented under the DPWH-DND Convergence program which include perimeter road improvement, construction of multipurpose building, First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) museum, water systems and training facilities.

Gene S. Leaño of the Department of Public Works and Highways - Bulacan 2nd District Engineering Office joined Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu in the inspection of military facilities under construction inside the First Scout Ranger Regiment at Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan.

Joseph Arrieta and John Richard Maghinang; field engineers from Regional Office III which included Lloyd Angel Umali, Lalaine Agcaoili, Don Santos, Arvin Dizon, Tommy Ace Francis Pangilinan; and Jansen Almeria of Philippine Chemsteel Industries, Inc.

In attendance were DPWH Engineer Ferdinand F. Ramiterre, staff of CENRO and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and Engineer Romulo A. Angeles, Jr., a private contractor.###

This initiative is part of the implementation of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation and Clean Up Project whose primary objective is to restore bay water quality in accordance with the Supreme Court’s Writ of Continuing Mandamus directing 13 government agencies including the DPWH to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay and make it suitable for swimming and other recreational activities.

INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 DISTRICTNEWS 41

trap location that will help prevent garbage and other floating debris flowing from the upper Pampanga River to reach Manila Bay.

he Integrated Sustainable Assistance, Recovery and Advancement (ISARA) Program, an initiative of various national government agencies aimed at bringing their services closer to the local community was recently held at the Kaisa Convention Hall in Tarlac City.

meeting coincided with their visit to the Luyos-Buliran Bridge - the DENR’s target trash

ISARA Program presents employment opportunities for Tarlac residents

project contractors who conducted on-the-spot hiring of qualified workers.“

the Tarlac 1st District and Public Affairs Information Team of Mark Lord Hidalgo, Jennylean Panopio, Nicole Bala and Cristian Dela Cruz set up an information booth to address various public concerns related to infrastructure.###

District Engineer Elpidio Y. Trinidad shared the office’s continued support for the project, as this is not the first time NE 2nd DEO has been tapped to take part in Manila Bay Rehabilitation and added that the project will be beneficial in Nueva Ecija.

Meanwhile.said.

Engineer Neil Farala expressed his gratitude to the

DPWH, DENR visit proposed location of trash trap in Brgy. Luyos Section of Pampanga River

The Department of Public Works and Highways - Tarlac 1st District Engineering Office participated in the said event and collaborated with government accredited project contractors who provided local job opportunities to Tarlac residents.District

Acoordination meeting between the Department of Public Works and Highways – Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) was recently conducted to discuss the proposed installation of a trash trap at the newly constructed bridge in Brgy. Luyos, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija.The

ng local recruitment activity.” DE Farala

Nais nating mabigyan ng oportunidad na makapag-trabaho ang ating mga kababayan sa Tarlac kung kaya’t nakipagugnayan tayo sa ating mga contractors para sa pagsasagawa

The P4.8 million structure funded in the 2021 national budget is expected to provide local residents with an indoor facility that can be used in the delivery of basic health services and for holding sports and other social activities.

our commitment to continue implementing rural infrastructure improvement projects as part of our investment priorities,” Farala said.The project inauguration was also attended by Vice Mayor Rex Villa Agustin and the Sangguniang Bayan Members of Victoria, Tarlac.###

LGU, DPWH inaugurate new multipurpose building

arlac local executives led by Governor Susan Yap and Victoria Mayor Christian Yap along with Department of Public Works and Highways-Tarlac 1st District Engineer Neil C. Farala inaugurated on June 8, 2022 the newly constructed multipurpose facility in the rural barangay of San Andres, Municipality of Victoria.

In his report to Region III Director Roseller A. Tolentino, Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Elpidio Y. Trinidad said that PNP-NEPPO has requested that they be allowed to use the agency’s dump trucks beginning April 25 until May 10, for

Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Section

DPWH supports mobility needs of PNP-NEPPO during election, deploys 3 units dump trucks

as the assignment of drivers was made in coordination with Nueva Ecija Area Engineer Edwin L. Lopez.

“Our office is keen on upgrading public facilities here in Brgy. San Andres and we would like to assure our local officials of

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DISTRICTNEWS 42

According to Trinidad, the deployment of the vehicles as well

Meanwhile, RD Tolentino commended Trinidad and Lopez’s immediate response to the PNPNEPPO’s request and stated that the DPWH is ready to provide the necessary police assistance this election

Photoperiod.###Courtesyof

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed three dump trucks in support of the PNP-Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office’s (PNP-NEPPO) preparations for the May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections.

the mobilization of their personnel in various areas in the province to assist in the implementation of their security plan during the election.“Werecognize the importance of police visibility especially now that election day is approaching, so we immediately facilitated the request of our provincial police office and addressed their mobility needs,” Trinidad said.

OIC-ADE Lejarde added that an initial funding of P20 million has been allocated for this project and added that they have already requested an additional P15 million to ensure that the structure is completed next year.

Pampanga 1st OIC-ADE Lejarde graces turnover, groundbreaking activities in Camp Olivas

Lejarde said in a statement that this project was implemented by their office and gave his assurance that the DPWH will continue to implement projects that will help the PNP’s modernization efforts.

The said activities coincided with the command visit of PNP Chief Gen. Dionardo B. Carlos to Camp Olivas which was also graced by Patrol Partylist Representative Jorge Antonio Bustos, PAGCOR Chairperson Andrea Domingo, and senior PNP officials including PLTGen. Marni C. Maros and PMGen. Valeriano T. De Leon.###

epartment of Public Works and HighwaysPampanga 1st OICAssistant District Engineer Alfie Lejarde graced the inauguration of the Regional Headquarters Support Unit (RHSU) building in Camp Olivas, Pampanga held on April 11, OIC-ADE2022.

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“The newly constructed RHSU building will serve as the office of police personnel engaged in the provision of security, safety, general utilities and special services to the regional headquarters of Police Regional Office 3,” OIC-ADE Lejarde explained.Meanwhile, a ceremonial groundbreaking was also held for the construction of the P35 million Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) building, a twostorey structure with a total floor area of 771.58 sq.m. and is set to be completed in 2023.

DPWH turns over new facilities to Philippine Navy in Casiguran

the convenience of the naval personnel who will use these facilities, a 100 KVA generator, reliable water source, and solar panels with batteries as alternative source of energy were also installed.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Sen. Francis Tolentino, Philippine Navy officials headed by Rear Admiral Antonio Palces, Acting Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy and Commodore Francisco Tagamolila, Jr., Commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), officials of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and DPWH Aurora DEO.

Aurora District Engineer Roderick Andal said that the facilities in the naval operation base located in a 5,362.50-square meter area consists of a typhoon resilient main building with complete amenities, a radio room, and“Thearmory.project

personnel barracks, 4 units toilets and 4 units shower stalls, 4 units of guard houses, a sewage treatment plant and perimeter fence,” Andal added.Toensure

“The P36.63 million project implemented by our office is expected to boost security in the Philippine Rise and at the same time strengthen the Philippine Navy’s capability of securing the country’s maritime areas,” Andal explained.

also includes the construction of 2 units of 40-footer container vans converted into navy

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DISTRICTNEWS 44

The implementation of the project was supervised by Arch. Neil Dexter P. Tolentino and Engr. Jan Simon A. Noveras III.###

Anaval detachment complex in Casiguran, Aurora was formally inaugurated and turned over by the Department of Public Works and Highways Aurora District Engineering Office to the Philippine Navy on March 31, 2022.

DPWH conducts final inspection of road network project in Basa Air Base

The DPWH technical team which also includes Construction Section Chief Engr. Aurora D. Carreon, Maintenance Section

project, the transportation of military equipment and supplies in and out of the air base will be much easier,” DE Audea, Jr. said.

Project Engineer Carlo Gino Ocampo, Engr. Mark Nicholai Gozun, and Engr. Edward John Carreon were also present during the inspection.###

Chief Engr. Ferdinand B. Dallo DPA, Planning and Design Section Chief Engr. Gene B. Gonzales, and Quality Assurance Section Chief Engr. Ronilo L. Magtoto were received and assisted by Brigadier General Pedro S. Francisco III and Major Jacob Jorge A. Kho of the Philippine Air Force.

ampanga 2nd District Engineer Gregorio Audea, Jr. and Assistant District Engineer Cecil Lawrence Cruz led the final inspection of the 3,359.80-lineal meter road improvement project inside Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.Theconstruction of the road network inside the air base consisting of eight (8) different sections amounted to P39.19 million.“We know the importance of having safer and better roads that can greatly improve accessibility and mobility within the air base, and with the completion of this

INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 DISTRICTNEWS 45

Meanwhile, ADE Cruz stated that ensuring good collaboration of government agencies develops a sense of unity that puts us on the right track towards becoming a more progressive and developed country.“Our military has made a significant contribution in shaping the course of nation-building and we are proud to be a part of their efforts by continuing to support the modernization of our armed forces through our projects,” ADE Cruz explained.

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DEOsPROJECTHIGHLIGHTS 46

AURORA DEO NUEVA ECIJA 1ST DEO Asset Preservation –Preventive Maintenance – Primary Roads –Sta. Rosa – Tarlac Road –K0122+000 – K0122-927 INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 DEOsPROJECTHIGHLIGHTS 47

Asset Preservation Program – Preventive Maintenance - Tertiary Roads - Bangad –Fort Magsaysay Rd - K0125+000-K0125+715, K0126+102-K0126+432.55 Construction of Multipurpose Building (Barangay Hall), Barangay Santa Catalina, Talugtug, Nueva Ecija Construction of Multipurpose Building (Gymnasium) at San Jose Elementary School, Licab, Nueva Ecija Construction/Completion of 2-Storey, 4-Classroom School Building, Zaragoza National High School, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija NUEVA ECIJA 2ND DEO Construction of Peñaranda River Control, Brgy. Burgos, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DEOsPROJECTHIGHLIGHTS 48

Construction of Road, Barangay Ligaya, Gabaldon Construction of Road, Barangay Kalikid Sur, Cabanatuan City Concreting of Road, Brgy. Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija Construction/Improvement of Access Road Leading to Minalungao National Park, General Tinio (Papaya), Nueva Ecija PAMPANGA 1ST DEO Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of Baliwag-Candaba-Sta. Ana Road INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 DEOsPROJECTHIGHLIGHTS 49

Off-carriageway Improvement, San Fernando – Lubao Road –K0085+460, Lubao, Pampanga Construction of Slope Protection along Porac River in Brgy. FloridablancaValdez, Construction of Slope ProjectProtectionalongtheSanJoseSectionofSantolCreekinBrgy.SanJose,Floridablanca,Pampanga Road Asphalting, San Antonio - Floridablanca Road - K0003 + 703 PAMPANGA 2ND DEO DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III DEOsPROJECTHIGHLIGHTS 50

Construction of Multi-Purpose Building, Brgy. Villa, Moncada, Tarlac Construction of Multi-Purpose Building, Brgy. Sta Ines Centro, Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac Construction of Concrete Road, Brgy. Toledo, Ramos, Tarlac Construction of Concrete Road, Brgy. Sulipa, Gerona, Tarlac TARLAC 1ST DEO TARLAC 2ND DEO Construction of Multipurpose Building, Kalangitan National High School, Kalangitan, Capas, ConstructionTarlac of Road at San Martin to Lilibangan Road, Concepcion, Tarlac INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 DEOsPROJECTHIGHLIGHTS 51

1. Customer focus approach to product development and delivery

ISO 9001:2015 applies to every organisation, regardless of a company’s size or the industry in which they operate. Globally,

A gBMS (Graphical Quality Management System)—powered by a ‘process driven intranet’—is a series of interactive and dynamic web pages that can:

6. Evidence-based decision making

2. Quality leadership

5. Continual improvement

Are there Digital Solutions to Quality Compliance?

What are ISO 9001:2015’s seven key quality management principles?

3. Engagement with people

over one million organisations have applied the standard to their quality management systems. The overwhelming response from these companies is that it helps them:

7. Strong suppliersmanagementrelationshipofcustomers,andregulators

• Improve the efficiency of their processes

4. Process driven approach to quality standards

How can these principles become second nature to your employees and part of your organisational DNA?

• Continually improve as an organisation

Who needs ISO 9001:2015?

Companies around the world spend vast amounts of money every year on EQMS solutions to ensure they can prove their adherence to the standards set out in ISO and by industry regulators. These heavyweight and expensive EQMS solutions are purchased as tools to control and manage the implementation of regulatory requirements such as training, storage of procedural documentation and product change approval processes.

But there is a new breed of graphical Quality Management System which can place the pursuit of quality at the heart of your approach to product delivery and customer service.

thinking with systems that are proscriptive, overly bureaucratic in their operation and often unpopular with the teams who must use them.

How can a Graphical Quality Management System help?

• Detail your entire operational Actstructureasa secure digital repository for your quality and product rightmanagementOperatedocumentationmanagementasaprojecttoolinitsown

In practice, these QMS solutions are often imposed by a Quality Management function that is removed from the teams who are actually charged with complying with their strictures. This approach to quality tends to lead to siloed

A gBMS is an accessible web based QMS, PM and training resource to which an entire company can contribute. It can be an efficient and scalable way of achieving the aims of the quality

7 Quality Management Principles of ISO 9001:2015 and how to live by them

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE III52

SO 9001:2015 and its related quality standards are all based on the ‘Seven Quality Management Principles’ defined by the organisation in their guidelines. But what’s the best way to embed those standards into the everyday thinking of your company?

• Better organise their processes

• processesdevelopmentina more collaborative way.

approach outlined by the seven principles:

Conclusion Understanding the seven principles of Quality Management for ISO 9001:2015 is key to designing systems and ways of working that reflect ISO’s overall requirements and objectives.Installing

7. Relationship management

• They can help you integrate the customer focused insight of a products.newrefinementsdesignsmoreorganisationwholeintoiterativeandagileforandexisting

3. Engaging your People

A graphical Quality Management system necessarily focuses on the betweenrelationshipeverypart of your organisation and the end products you are delivering.•Theprojectandproductmanagement tools

A graphical Quality Management system can make the range of relationships and dependencies that impact

upon work visible to every person in a workforce. This, in turn, can lead to better and more informed decision making when it comes to managing third party supplier, client and regulatory relationships.

a Graphical Quality Management system as a central quality resource for your entire organisation is one way of embracing the proactive approach to quality improvement that is replacing an outmoded ‘inspect and correct’ paradigm for regulators around the world.

4. A process driven approach

Using a graphical Quality Management system can help you embed the 7 Quality Management Principles into your organisational thinking. Here’s how:

1. Customer Focus

5. Continual Improvement

6. Evidence-based decision making

a gBMS offers can help you collaborativeprocessesdevelopmentstructureinamoreway.

INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 53

• A mechanism to replicate teamsprocessesqualityacross

Scan this QR code to view this article online.

• They can help you integrate the customer focused insight of a products.newrefinementsdesignsmoreorganisationwholeintoiterativeandagileforandexisting

2. LeadershipAgraphical Quality Management system is intended to sit at the centre of an organisatio n’s approach and be a constantly updated source of best practice for your company. The leadership team who installs and champion a BMS, are providing.

What are the benefits of using a graphical Quality Management system to comply with ISO 9001:2015?

According to Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, VAW is “any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, with or without the family abode, which

VAW strikes the personhood of women

• Economic abuse or the act that makes or attempts to make a woman financially dependent

• Sexual violence or the act that is sexual in nature, committed against a woman or her child

VAW limits human development

As defined by the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993), VAW is “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public and private life. Gender-based violence is any violence inflicted on women because of their sex.”

The Philippines spent an estimated P6 billion pesos in 2002 to treat VAW survivors. This amount covered the medical treatment of VAW injuries, psychological therapies and programs for survivors, maintenance of shelters, cost of legal and court proceedings to prosecute perpetrators, training costs of service providers, and other indirect social costs to family members of VAW survivors and perpetrators.

A state promotes good governance when it makes available effective remedies to eliminate VAW in the homes, in the communities and in the state.

Moreover, an even greater problem is the lack of concrete information to show the extent of VAW in the country as many cases of violence against women often go unreported due to women victims’ “culture of silence.” Many of the victims are ashamed to relate their experiences while others tend to dismiss their ordeal as a result of their lack of faith in the country’s justice system caused by frustrations over the lack of results in filing alsoNon-governmentputmechanismsSeveralcomplaints.governmenthavealreadybeeninplacetoaddressVAW.organizationstakepartinthiscrusade.ItisuncertainwhenthistrendwilltotallydiminishinthePhilippinesetting,butaslongascurrent

VAW is deemed to be closely linked with the unequal power relation between women and men otherwise known as “gender based violence.” Societal norms and traditions dictate people to think that men are the leaders, pursuers, and providers, and take on the dominant roles in society while women are the nurturers, men’s companions and supporters, and take on the subordinate roles in society. This perception leads men to gain more power over women. Hence, VAW becomes a form of men’s expression of control over women to retain power.

In the Philippines, some realities that contribute to the vulnerability of Filipino women to VAW are being accused as “naggers” or neglectful of their duties as wife that is why they are being beaten by their spouses, or being raped due to her “flirtatious” ways; in some instances, filing for a sexual harassment is interpreted by her employer as being malicious on the appreciation of her good looks.

VAW further drains the country’s financial resources

result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.”VAWincludes, but not limited to, the following acts:

Impacts of VAW

It does not only affect women’s physical and reproductive health, but specially their mental and emotional state. It has caused women to feel ashamed and to lose their self-esteem. It threatens women’s personal security.

Violence Against Women

iolence against women (VAW) appears as one of the country’s pervasive social problems. According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, one in four Filipino women age 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence by their husband or partner. It is indeed alarming that despite efforts to address the concern, VAW persists.

• Physical violence or the act that includes bodily or physical harm

efforts to fight VAW are sustained, hope could be set high.

It jeopardizes women’s health and curbs their capacity to participate in social development. Working women’s productivity decreases due to frequent absences resulting from VAW. VAW is responsible for one out of every five healthy days of life lost to women of reproductive age.

DPWH | REGIONAL OFFICE GADCORNER Scan this QR code to view this article online. 54

VAW is an issue of governance

• Psychological violence or the act or omission that causes or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering of the victim

For this reason, we have to realize that prayer is an essential action through which conversion, renewal, and growth of one’s soul take place. This is brought about through God while man remains unconscious of the change.

by Father Matta El-Meskeen

Prayer is spiritual contact with God. God’s purpose in urging us to pray without growing weary is that prayer progressively brings about an essential day-to-day change in us. Prayer must be made with constant zeal in order that we should be changed into something higher than our nature. This is actually realized in us when we feel that we have become something more than ourselves. And this is what summons us to more pleading and urgency until our prayer is answered. For through prayer, we receive what we do not basically deserve.

INFRA BULLETIN | VOLUME 5 - ISSUE 2 SPIRITUAL & MORAL EMPOWERMENT Scan this QR code to view this article online. 55

Neither bliss, nor interior peace, not a feeling that prayer is answered, nor any other feeling is equal to the hidden action of the Holy Spirit in one’s soul. Such action qualifies the soul for eternal life.

hrist call upon us to pray before God. He persists in asking us to pray and not lose heart, to pray with persistence and passion. This call points to the source from which we receive the power for conversion, renewal, and growth. This is how Christ explains the need for prayer. For through prayer we gain something that cannot be gained otherwise. This “thing” that can only be granted by prayer belongs to God: “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Lk. 11:12)!

Prayer is opening oneself toward the effective, invisible, and imperceptible power of God. Man can never leave the presence of God without being transformed and renewed in his being, for this is what Christ has promised. However, such transformation will not be in the form of a sudden leap. It will take its time and course as an imperceptible but meticulous build-up.Whoever

God in a most vivid way. He feels as though his soul has become greater and stronger. Neither ignoring his own weakness nor forgetting his shortcomings, he becomes sure of the existence of another being higher than his own temporal one.

persists in surrendering himself to God by praying without growing weary receives in the end more than he desired. He even receives more than he deserves. Everyone who lives by prayer in the end gathers and gains for himself an immense trust in God, so powerful and so certain that it can almost be seen and touched. His soul becomes imbued with God through and through, even to its very depths. Man thus perceives

This sure feeling of the existence of God and of his power broadens the scope of the soul’s perception of divine realities. It also widens its power of discernment and vision. Thus the soul witnesses within itself a new birth, a new horizon, and a new world. This is its beloved world, the world of Jesus. God, not one’s own sense or ego, is the source of this world. Man comes to lay hold of this knowledge, not through his own mind, but through the will of the Holy Spirit, without any intervention of human will, effort, or worldly wisdom.

Prayer is the most powerful effective spiritual work and has its own spontaneous reward without the evidence of feelings. Prayer could not have an end or an aim higher than itself. It is the highest aim of the highest work.

When the soul ascends to the world of true light, which is within its own self, it begins to feel in harmony with God through constant prayer. It then loses all dichotomy as well as doubt and anxiety when truth pervades all its feelings and movements. Its past and present experiences are melted in the fire of divine love. This excludes all prejudice and fears of the self, as well as the flaws of selfishness and doubt. It leaves no feelings in the soul except total awareness of the sovereignty of the Spirit and absolute obedience to his will.

The Most Powerful Effective Spiritual Work