Infra Bulletin - October to December 2021 by R3 PIO

Table of

CON TEN TS

07 08

HR NEWS

DPWH encourages unvaccinated employees to get COVID-19 jabs

GAD CORNER

DPWH Region III supports Anti-VAW advocacy

DPWH Usec among PRC’s 2021 Outstanding Professionals of the year

SPIRITUAL & MORAL EMPOWERMENT The ABC of Christmas

DPWH Region III officials review infra implementation progress during regional staff meeting

KONKRETONG AKSYON

CENTRAL NEWS

NEWS BRIEFS

DISTRICT NEWS

New Guimba Bypass Road now open to motorists

ABOUT THE COVER

NATIONAL NEWS BBB projects key in post-pandemic economic recovery

FEATURE STORY Quality Assurance & Hydrology Division

DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

EDITORIAL TEAM ALLAN V. MANTARING Editor

JERVIN T. MARASIGAN LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK https://twitter.com/dpwhph https://www.facebook.com/dpwhph DPWH 24/7 Hotline 165-02

The solid foundation of a successful organization is its people, and the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office III recognizes the contribution of each and every employee in achieving organizational targets. Whether they are in the office, or at construction sites, or even at roadside - they are the passionate life force of the entire organization.

JOIN US 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 at prodpwh3@gmail. com. THE EDITOR

Staff Writer

PRINCE KENNETH T. IRABON Graphic/Layout Artist

MARIA WILMA VAN DEN HEEVER FERNANDO O. LAZARO Researchers

DISTRICT ENGINEERS TECHNICAL DIVISION CHIEFS DISTRICT PUBLIC AFFAIRS & INFORMATION OFFICERS Contributors

RD ROSELLER A. TOLENTINO ARD DENISE MARIA M. AYAG Technical Consultants

NEWS BRIEFS

DPWH Region III officials review infra implementation progress during regional staff meeting

PWH Region III Director Roseller A. Tolentino presided over the regular staff meeting held in Bataan on November 5, 2021 attended by different District Engineers in Central Luzon and other key officials of DPWH Regional Office III. Also present at the said meeting were Sr. Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and Asec. Wilfredo S. Mallari, the agency’s senior officials in charge of Regional Operations in Luzon.

In his message, Sr. Usec. Yabut shared that Acting Sec. Mercado expressed his interest to inaugurate the Region’s flagship projects such as bypass roads and other infrastructure facilities. The Acting Secretary also gave orders to prioritize the needs of the agency’s internal and external stakeholders, ensure that quality workmanship of projects is maintained by project contractors, and that agency employees must be provided with all the benefits due to them.

The meeting hosted by Bataan 2nd District Engineering Office was conducted to review the progress of all infrastructure projects implemented in the region, discuss the financial standing of each district office, and to cascade the latest policy directives of Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado.

The Regional Office also gave recognition to the top 3 District Engineering Offices with highest Absorptive Capacity (AC) and Disbursement Rate (DR) for the month of September.

Capacity of 98.39% followed by Tarlac 2nd DEO (96.62%) and Zambales 2nd DEO (96.48%). Meanwhile, Pampanga 3rd DEO was recognized as Best in Prior Year Disbursement achieving a score of 99.70%. Ranked 2nd and 3rd were Bulacan 1st DEO (97.37%) and Pampanga 2nd DEO (86.60%). Pampanga 3rd DEO again topped the highest in Current Year Disbursement Rate of 83.69% trailed by Zambales 2nd DEO (78.26%) and Tarlac 2nd DEO (71.60%).###

Among the 14 district offices, Bulacan 1st DEO was ranked first with an Absorptive

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 3

NEWS BRIEFS

Bulacan 2nd and Pampanga 1st DEOs recognized at the 2021 DPWH COVID-19 Management Virtual Summit

or their outstanding accomplishment in the management of COVID-19, two (2) District Engineering Offices (DEOs) in Region III were recognized at the 2021 DPWH COVID-19 Management Virtual Summit attended by agency officials and employees led by Public Works Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado. The virtual summit held on October 27, 2021 was organized to pay tribute and recognize the efforts made by the DPWH offices as well as the designated Office COVID-19 Coordinating Groups in assisting employees and communities affected by this public health crisis. According to OIC-Director Andro V. Santiago of the Stakeholders Relations Service, the management appreciates the contributions made by all DPWH offices in the efficient implementation of safety and health protocols in the workplace and in effectively responding to the needs of employees in this time of pandemic, and among the recipients of the COVID-19

Management Excellence Award are the Pampanga 1st DEO Office headed by District Engineer Almer C. Miranda and the Bulacan 2nd DEO supervised by District Engineer George DC. Santos. Acting Secretary Mercado commended the DPWH COVID-19 Coordinating Committee chaired by Sr. Usec. Rafael C. Yabut for having a well-organized response action and contingency plan. Also, he recognized the profound sacrifices of the DPWH frontliners for their continued service to fight the pandemic. The highlight of the virtual summit was the playing of a tribute video commemorating those employees who succumbed to COVID-19. Several employee COVID-19 survivors recounted how the agency has helped them from the time they became infected until they recovered.

4 Department of Public Works and Highways

Region III Director Roseller A. Tolentino on the other hand said that the Regional Office and the DEOs in Central Luzon will comply with the directive of Acting Sec. Mercado to ensure the safety of employees by encouraging them to get vaccinated and by strict implementation of all health and safety protocols.###

NEWS BRIEFS

DPWH-BOE coordinates with Gabaldon LGU for the proposed desilting of Dupinga River and Digmala Creek

epartment of Public Works and Highways – Bureau of Equipment Director Toribio Noel. L. Ilao met with key officials of Gabaldon Municipal Engineering Office on Thursday, October 21, 2021, to discuss the proposed desilting of the Brgy. Tagumpay and Ligaya Sections of the Dupinga River and the Digmala Creek in Brgy. Pantoc. Officials of the Local Government of Gabaldon led by Mayor Jobby P. Emata and Vice Mayor Victorino Sabino requested the DPWH through the Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Section to desilt major waterways in the Gabaldon Valley which is a natural flood prone area. “The Dupinga River is a tributary of the Coronel River and its water is drained into the greater Pampanga River Basin, and in recent years, the river has become

heavily silted due to rain-induced soil erosion in which sediments from the mountainous area of Gabaldon flow downward and accumulate in the river bed,” Nueva Ecija Area Equipment Engr. Edwin L. Lopez explained. Lopez added that in collaboration with the Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office, they have repeatedly conducted clearing activities in the area whenever there will be road closures due to flooding and landslide events caused by strong typhoons. During the site visit and ocular inspection cum meeting, Director Ilao said that the rising trend of flooding is generally attributed to reduced carrying

capacity of rivers on account of silt deposition in river beds. “Based on what we are seeing right now, we can say that the flood carrying-capacity of Gabaldon’s waterways has been greatly reduced and to restore the former carrying capacity of the Dupinga River and Digmala Creek, it is necessary to conduct river restoration by desilting,” Ilao clarified. Ilao assured the Municipal Engineering Office that the DPWH will prioritize the implementation of proposed desilting activities in the said area. Also present during the meeting were DPWH Region III Equipment Management Division Chief Danilo S. Danganan, Engr. Francisco G. Licup Jr., Engr. Romeo Sison, Engineer IV of the BOE-Floating Equipment Division and Engr. Marvin Liwanag.###

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 5

NEWS BRIEFS

DPWH-EMD acquires new dredging and support equipment

he Equipment M a n a g e m e n t Division (EMD) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region III has recently acquired five (5) brand new dredging and support equipment to be used in the implementation of byadministration river dredging projects and disaster response and recovery operations in Central Luzon.

newly procured Hydraulic Crane, Watermaster Multipurpose Amphibious Dredge, Backhoe Loader, Forklift and SelfLoading Truck will help improve operations efficiency as project implementation will be speeded up and at the same time boost equipment utilization and improve jobsite productivity as incidence of equipment breakdowns and malfunctions may be reduced.

DPWH-EMD Region III Assistant Chief Francisco Licup, Jr. said that the

Meanwhile, DPWH Region III Roseller A. Tolentino stated that with the augmentation of DPWH-EMD’s existing fleet, the agency’s response to various events that require assistance using heavy machineries will be faster, more effective, and well-organized. “With the acquisition of these additional heavy equipment, we are now more capable of providing assistance to other field offices especially in the implementation

6 Department of Public Works and Highways

of projects like restoration of previously degraded physical habitat features of our major waterways, disaster management response, and other activities that require equipment support,“ RD Tolentino said. The DPWH-EMD supervises the deployment, management and maintenance of these equipment to ensure that such activities are conducted in accordance with current standards and policies of the Department.###

https://www.facebook.com/dpwhregion3/posts/273107654859241

https://www.facebook.com/dpwhregion3/posts/280134520823221

ecember 9, 2021 DPWH Nueva Ecija Area Engineer Edwin L. Lopez led the retrieval of a dump truck that fell off Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road in Brgy. Lourdes, Cabanatuan City.

the

According to Engr. Lopez, accident happened on

ecember 20, 2021 – A vehicular accident occurred along KO139 of Sto. Rosario, Sto. Domingo Section of the Nueva Ecija -

December 8, 2021 around 2PM and it was reported that a car traveling along the road section near the DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office lost its brakes causing the oncoming dump truck owned by the Provincial Government of Aurora to swerve and skidded off a rice field.

“We received this report at 11 AM today and we immediately deployed our personnel as well as the heavy equipment used in the retrieval. At around 1 PM, the accident-affected vehicle was removed and we are thankful that there were no casualties in this incident,” Engr. Lopez stated.###

Pangasinan Road resulting to a damaged concrete barrier (parapet). The DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st DEO immediately deployed their manpower from

the Maintenance and Planning and Design Sections to facilitate the removal of the truck so as not to cause heavy traffic in the area.### Regional Office III - Central Luzon 7

HR NEWS

DPWH encourages unvaccinated employees to get COVID-19 jabs

ealth experts see herd immunity as the key to breaking the potential chain of COVID-19 transmission. For this reason, the Philippine Government is pushing for the vaccination of the majority of its population to achieve herd immunity - a way of preventing the further spread of the virus that could again endanger lives and disrupt the country’s recovering economy. Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said in a press statement that a total of 91.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were already administered in the country as of December 5, 2021, however, the government’s vaccination efforts may not be effective if the expected number of people who will be immune to the coronavirus will not be achieved. Many still choose not to be vaccinated due to misinformation about vaccine safety and fear of side effects after getting the jabs. Unvaccinated individuals without adequate protection are vulnerable hosts for COVID-19. Also, various studies are now suggesting that the virus may evolve to be vaccine-resistant. On November 11, 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issued new guidelines contained in IATF

Resolution No. 148-B which aims to ensure the continued decrease in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. These include requiring eligible employees tasked to do on-site work to be vaccinated and the regular submission of negative RT-PCR negative results for those unvaccinated employees. The Department of Public Works and Highways Management Team led by Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado cannot afford to risk the health and well-being of all employees thus a memorandum dated November 25, 2021 was issued mandating unvaccinated employees to submit negative RT -PCR results every 1st and 15th of the month for them to continue reporting for onsite work. In response to the said order, DPWH Region III Director Roseller A. Tolentino immediately cascaded the information on December 2, 2021 through a memorandum urging all unvaccinated employees to get inoculated. The Office COVID-19 Coordinating Group (OCCG) was also directed to identify those employees who

8 Department of Public Works and Highways

are still not immunized and will be required to submit the required RT-PCR negative results. As of December 31, 2021, the DPWH Region III already had 4,705 vaccinated and less than 2% of DPWH Regional Office employees remain unvaxxed. In a statement, Director Tolentino emphasized the need to ensure that all employees working onsite, whether vaccinated or not, are

protected against COVID-19. He further explained that this is to effectively manage the health and safety of all people in the workplace and efficiently deliver the agency’s services to the public.###

HR NEWS

Computer Literacy Skills Test for DPWH Regional Office III employees held

wenty (20) permanent and contract-ofservice employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office III took the computer proficiency examination remotely held in the office’s Training Room on December 15, 2021 administered by the Information Management Service. According to Yozelle V. Roque, Caretaker of the Human Resource Management Section, the CPE is a requirement for both clerical and technical employees

hired to COS and entry level positions to ensure that they possess the minimum proficiency to perform the computeraided work as required by their position. “Since government offices now use information technology in their regular delivery of services, the CPE is necessary to assess the ability of our employees and evaluate their basic computer skills especially in using Microsoft Word and Excel,” Roque explained.

Roque added that one of the effects of the pandemic is that employees and offices have become more reliant on information and communications technology in performing tasks, thus emphasizing the need for each employee to have a minimum computer proficiency skillset. The exam was conducted remotely in order to ensure that all employees follow social distancing and minimum health protocols.###

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ENG US Regional Office III - Central Luzon 9

HR NEWS

Congratulations! HERCULES P. CARREON JR. ENGINEER IV

TOMI ACE FRANCIS E. PANGILINAN

JAN MAVERIC D. MANALOTO

ENGINEER II

MARINE ENGINEMAN II

ARSENIO P. DIZON

JHOANA C. ZAPATA ADMIN ASSISTANT III (SECRETARY II)

AGNES G. CRUZ

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN I

ENGINEER III

AMOUR L. GALANG

JANNIE P. RIVERA

ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE VI

LEGAL ASSISTANT III

NEIL FRANCIS L. GALANG ENGINEER II

10 Department of Public Works and Highways

GAD CORNER

DPWH Region III supports Anti-VAW advocacy

https://www.facebook. com/dpwhregion3/ posts/272282931608380

he Department of Public Works and Highways in Region III joined the nation in this year’s commemoration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) by launching activities aimed at increasing public awareness about VAW as a public issue of national concern. “DPWH actively supports programs that are meant to protect the rights of women and it is our duty to make certain that our workplaces are really safe spaces that are free from any form of harassment and discrimination,” Regional Director Roseller A. Tolentino said. This year’s campaign with the slogan “Filipino Marespeto; Safe Spaces, Kasali Tayo” is an effective way of informing the public the importance of Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313 or SSA) also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law”. “RA 11313 ensures the sense of personal space and public safety of each individual and this particular law addresses issues related to gender-based sexual harassment in public areas and even in cyberspace,” Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria M. Ayag explained.

https://www.facebook. com/dpwhregion3/ posts/264117099091630

Meanwhile, the Gender and Development Focal Point Systems (GFPS) of several district offices organized activities promoting VAW-free and safe workplaces.

advocacy t-shirts and by using the hashtags #VAWFreePH #FilipinoMarespeto and #SanaAllSpacesSafe.

Tarlac 1st DEO

Employees showed their support in the campaign to end violence against women and children and in spreading public awareness about the Safe Spaces Act by wearing orange shirts during the program. The office also displayed an advocacy banner inside the office compound.

The 18-day campaign to end VAW was launched at a flag raising ceremony led by OICADE Diana P. Melegrito followed by a program wherein employees watched together videos and infomercials about women’s rights, RA 9262 and RA 11313. T-shirts, brochures, tumblers, pouch, and alcohol spray bottles were also distributed to all women employees. The program ended with the holding of a dance exercise activity. Tarlac 2nd DEO Women employees received advocacy materials such as tumblers and t-shirts which were used in today’s launching of the campaign that was headed by District Engineer Hermon G. Ines.

Pampanga 2nd DEO

In addition to the hanging of official streamers in front of offices and the production of information and education communication (IEC) materials, all DPWH employees were encouraged to show their support by using the advocacy profile frame and posting it on their social media accounts, and through their participation in the “Sa Safe Spaces Kasali Tayo” online events organized by the Philippine Commission on Women.###

Nueva Ecija 2nd DEO The office joined the fight against VAW by conducting an online information campaign wherein employees were encouraged to post on social media their photos wearing the

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 11

GAD CORNER

Gender-based violence victims can now call 911 https://pcw.gov.ph/genderbased-violence-victims-cannow-call-911/

he Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development sign the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on the inclusion of Gender-based Violence (GBV) Emergency and Distress Calls in the Emergency 911 National Hotline in a virtual ceremony held on December 7, 2021, in time for the 2021 18Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). The Circular lays down the guidelines for 911 Emergency Telecommunicators in handling GBV cases and aids the service providers in properly responding to calls and providing immediate referral to relevant agencies or organizations. The JMC is a fruit of the series of training and collaborations which trace back to the memorandum of understanding of the Philippine Commission on Women, the Asia Foundation, and the Emergency 911 National Office adopting a Pocket Guide to be used in taking distress calls related to VAW and GBV. Prior to this program, calls coursed through the 911 hotline usually include reports about fire, police, medical, and search and rescue assistance. The InterAgency Council on Violence Against Women and Children (IACVAWC) also issued a Council resolution to endorse the JMC and encourage all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to provide technical support and charge related activities to their GAD budget. PCW Chairperson Sandra Sanchez-Montano, in her opening message, expressed hope that through this program, GBV and VAW survivors will have a safety net which is easy to reach, free of charge, and available 24/7.

The JMC, which covers all agencies comprising the Emergency 911 Response System, member agencies of the IACVAWC, and local governments units, aims to utilize and enhance already existing referral and response pathways. Speaking for the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Special

Concerns Marjorie Jalosjos noted the significance of the program in providing a holistic and adequate approach in GBV response. “This is crucial in addressing the challenge in connecting the VAW victim to proper response and referral pathways so that they can be supported by appropriate government agencies as soon as possible given the nature of their situation and environment,” Usec. Jalosjos stated. The JMC also enjoins service providers to give psychological first-aid responses to survivors who must always be treated with respect and dignity to avoid causing further trauma or stigma. Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista of the Department of Social Welfare and Development

12 Department of Public Works and Highways

committed to ensuring efficient psychosocial services for 911 callers and other GBV survivors. “The Department also pledges to help all women and children who experienced gender-based violence by providing them with social protection, services, and interventions to assist them towards their healing,” Secretary Bautista vowed.

The agencies, in partnership with the Asia Foundation and the UP Center for Women and Gender Studies, trained emergency telecommunicators in using a gender-sensitive and survivorcentered approach in receiving GBV calls. Telecommunicators gained knowledge on VAW, GBV-related laws, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics, and principles of survivor-centered care. With all these in place, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra is optimistic that GBV survivors will have the courage to seek help.

What to expect when calling 911? Survivors or their family, friends, or witnesses can call the 911 National Hotline through their landline or mobile phone. A 911 Emergency Telecommunicator will receive the call, get personal details which will be protected and will remain confidential. The receiver provides psychological first-aid and asks questions to ascertain the appropriate service provider needed by the client. The next steps will then depend on the situation of the victim. If she or he needs immediate action, the responder will coordinate with the nearest police station and will transfer the call to the same for direct and quick action. If no immediate emergency assistance is necessary, the responder identifies, through a survivorcentered conversation with the client, the appropriate assistance or services to be provided and connects the client to the relevant agency. The services for GBV emergencies include, but are not limited to rescue operations, law enforcement services, legal and paralegal assistance services, social services, medical services, and others.

Filipino women, aged 15-49, has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence from their husband or partner. Since the onset of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions in March 2020 to August 2021, a total of 18,945 VAW cases have been reported to the PNP Women and Children Protection Center.

Sam Chittick, The Asia Foundation Country Representative in the Philippines, said that indeed, one incident

of Violence Against Women is too many, especially during this health crisis. “We also know that many of the victims live in close proximity to their abusers and perpetrators and the COVID-19 pandemic meant there has been limited mobility and more limited opportunities to reach out. But we’ve seen examples that positive steps can be taken and I think today is a wonderful example of collaborative work from a number of agencies and from a number of people who care to really try to make a difference,” Chittick shared. The agencies and partners also highlighted that concerned family, friends, and witnesses can report through 911. “An option that is systematic, holistic, and sensitive will encourage survivors to talk to someone and ask for assistance. Family members and friends of survivors can also encourage them to use the hotline or utilize it on their behalf,” said Dr. Nathalie Africa-Verceles of the University of the Philippines Center for Women and Gender Studies. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson commended the move, saying “The Philippines has long been a model for innovative and inclusive programs that advance the interests and welfare of women and children.”###

Referral to more or other agencies can also be taken until the case is fully resolved and until the client is informed of the options available and the next steps she or he can take. Ending VAW, one call at a time The need to include VAW calls in the 911 National Hotline is rooted in the prevalence of this social problem. The 2017 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), showed that 1 in 4 Regional Office III - Central Luzon 13

CENTRAL NEWS

DPWH Usec among PRC’s 2021 Outstanding Professionals of the Year

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary for Planning and Information Management Service Maria Catalina E. Cabral has bagged this year’s Professional Regulation Commission’s Outstanding Professional of the Year in the Field of Civil Engineering.

Engineering Association of the Philippines (REAP); a registered ASEAN Engineer and has been conferred as an Honorary Fellow by the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organization and an active member of the American Society for Civil Engineers Philippine Group.###

The “Outstanding Professional of the Year Award” is the highest award bestowed by the Commission upon a professional as recommended by his/her peers for having sufficiently demonstrated professional competence of the highest degree and conducted himself/herself with integrity in the exercise of his/her profession; meaningfully participated in professional activities through the professional organization; significantly contributed to the advancement of the profession; and sincerely and effectively discharged personal and professional social responsibility through meaningful; contribution/participation in socio-related activities. Undersecretary Cabral, who exemplifies women in infrastructure, is the first female rank-and-file employee who has reached the level of Undersecretary in the hierarchy of officials in the DPWH, and first female highest leader of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) who took the role as National President from 2017 to 2018. Cabral has three (3) Masters Degrees and two (2) Doctorate Degrees in the field of Business Management, Economics and Public Administration. She is also the current National President of the Road 14 Department of Public Works and Highways

https://www.facebook.com/dpwhph/posts/257993306364828

CENTRAL NEWS

DPWH Receives New Highway Master Plan from JICA

https://www.facebook.com/dpwhph/posts/267271462103679

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has received from the JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency latest masterplan for the development of High Standard Highway (HSH) in the Philippines. This is in support of the country’s effort to invest in high-quality infrastructure for improved national connectivity and accessibility. DPWH Acting Secretary Roger “Oging” Mercado, in his opening speech delivered by Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, thanked the Government of Japan thru Embassy of Japan to the Philippines Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and JICA Philippines Representative Eigo Azukizawa for the staunch support it has extended for the completion of the HSH Network Development Master Plan Phase 2. The turnover ceremony of the masterplan at the DPWH Central held November 29, 2021 was participated by Undersecretary for Information Management, Planning and PPP Services Maria Catalina E. Cabral; Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain;

Undersecretary for Regional Operations in Luzon Roberto R. Bernardo; Undersecretary for Regional Operations in NCR, Region IV-B and the Visayas Maximo L. Carvajal; Assistant Secretary Ador G. Canlas for Regional Operations in Mindanao; and Planning Service Director Constante A. Llanes Jr. Economic Minister Masahiro Nakata of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines virtually joined the turnover ceremony of the masterplan. “We are grateful for JICA’s technical capacity and expertise in world class infrastructure for it is crucial not just in decongesting highly urbanized areas but also in achieving the 2040 National Development Plan of making the Philippines a prosperous country by investing in high quality infrastructure,” Secretary Mercado said in his read speech. Mr. Ryuichi Ueno, JICA Study Team Leader, presented the findings on the masterplan HSH Network Development Phase 2 aimed at expanding and updating the 2010 HSH masterplan conducted within the 200-km radius of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao. The masterplan proposes the construction of 4,400 kilometers of HSH Class 1 composed of 406 km existing, 265 km under

construction, and 3,279 km new highways to be implemented along major transport corridors across the archipelago; while about 4,600-km of HSH Class-2 (regional high standard highway) will branch off from the HSH Class-1 to provide connection to sub-regional centers, important ports and airports not covered by HSH Class-1. These projects were categorized into long-term, medium-term and shortterm projects based on its implementation importance. Aside from the masterplan, JICA’s development assistance also covers the pre-feasibility study of four (4) important road and bridge namely Agusan Del Norte - Butuan City Logistical Highway in Region 13; Cebu Circumferential Road in Region 7; Central Mindanao Highway, Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay Section in Region 10; and 2nd San Juanico Bridge in Region 8. With the completion of the master plan and feasibility studies, the Philippines is one step closer to building faster, safer, resilient, and environmentally friendly road transport network which support national goals of rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth.###

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 15

NATIONAL NEWS

BBB projects key in post-pandemic economic recovery

he Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” projects serve as an essential key as the country’s economy tries to bounce back from the challenges brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“We will pursue equitable regional development by pouring investments for better connectivity roads and bridges in the rural areas,” said Mercado, adding that ‘BBB’ is an opportunity for local and foreign business contractors.

This was emphasized by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado during the 2021 Philippine Economic Briefing with Foreign Chambers of Commerce held on November 26, 2021 in a virtual meeting.

As head of the ‘BBB’ program of President Duterte, Sadain shared insight on the DPWH flagship projects that are currently moving on the ground or in the pipeline of starting the construction nationwide.

Mercado reiterated that investments on the infrastructure are key in bolstering economic development to build a better post-pandemic economy as ‘BBB’ – led by DPWH Undersecretary and Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain – would create job opportunities for Filipinos.

Among the flagship projects are the 30-kilometer Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Project Phase I that will widen to 24.61km Arterial (Plaridel) Bypass Road, the improvement and maintenance of 1,088.23km of arterial national roads under the Road Upgrading and Preservation Project; 45.5 km Davao City Bypass Construction Project, which include a 2.3km of a 2-tube mountain tunnel.

“

We will pursue equitable regional development by pouring investments for better connectivity roads and bridges in the rural areas...

The Emergency Assistance for Reconstruction and Recovery of Marawi covering 21.87km of road including 1.6km Malabang Viaduct, construction of three bridges along Rorogagus Road, and five other projects are also part of the project; 18.65km Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project; 1.481km BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project; 21km Boracay Circumferential Road. In Davao City, the 17.35km Coastal Road is under construction; two bridges under Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project; 32km Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge; three priority bridges with a total length of 2.99km crossing Marikina River; 3.17km Panguil Bay Bridge that will reduce travel time between Tubod in Lanao Del Norte and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental from 2.5 hours to just 7 minutes; 32.47km Panay-

“

ROGER G. MERCADO

DPWH, Acting Secretary

16 Department of Public Works and Highways

Also under construction is the Marawi Transcentral Road, which has completed 18.78km and on-going 18.97km; 3.3 km Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge that has 4.9 km Mandaue Coastal Road; 37.60km Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project; the improvement of the Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project – with a total length of 230.22km including the 540meter Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Peninsula and three other bridges with a total length of 1.790km in the Island Province of Tawi-Tawi.

NATIONAL NEWS

https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/28/ bbb-projects-key-in-post-pandemic-economic-recovery/

Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project; 506-meter Estrella Pantaleon Bridge connecting Makati and Mandaluyong; and Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase 4. According to Sadain, the department is joined by the private sector for these projects in the form of Official Development Assistance from multilateral financial institutions like the Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, World Bank, and ExportImport Bank of Korea and China, while providing all out support are the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee and National Economic and

Development Authority (NEDA) Board approval. From July 2016 and when the pandemic started, the DPWH kept going with its projects all over the country with a total of 31,977 km of road widening, upgrade, maintenance, construction, rehabilitation; 6,333 bridges widened, upgraded, rehabilitated, and strengthened; and 12,394 flood mitigation structures. The Philippine Economic Briefing, with the theme, “Reset, Regain, Revitalize: The Philippines’ Resurgence as an ASEAN Economic Powerhouse,” is aimed to update members

of foreign chambers on government’s initiatives navigate the recovery.

the to

Other speakers who discussed the Philippine economic highlights and their respective agency programs and priorities are Department of Finance (DOF) under Secretary Carlos S. Dominguez, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno, NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, Department of Trade (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, Department of Agriculture (DA) chief William Dar, and Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade.###

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 17

SPIRITUAL AND MORAL EMPOWERMENT

The

RET. PTR. CHRISTIAAN MAURITZ VAN DEN HEEVER CCM Community Church Mirdiff, Dubai, UAE

Christmas 2 Corinthians 8:9

John McArthur - relates the following story: Disclaimer: This article was published unedited.

hristmas is a time of celebration. In most homes a tree is erected and adorned to highlight the theme of Christmas. Families are very busy wrapping up gifts and mothers are in the kitchen preparing the lovely meal. Some folk celebrate Christmas with a lunch or supper, depending on the arrival of the guests. Some families are very privileged to have their grandparents or even their great grandparents, with them. Here in the UAE, Christmas is celebrated differently. I have not been home for ten years so, it is rather lonely, to compensate Maria and I invite folk over to enjoy this great celebration with us. This year we will have our children with us and feel privileged to be able to share the joy of Christ with them. As we rejoice, I want to urge you not to forget what Christmas is really about. Of course we have the joy to celebrate always keeping in mind what the purpose for celebration is about. For the Christians, Christmas is a reminder of the Person our Lord Jesus Christ. Before getting into the text I need to give you the context

as it seems weird that in the middle of Paul’s discourse about generosity in collecting for the embattled saints in Jerusalem, he makes this very enlightening revelation. Although the passage is centered around money, I think given the season we are celebrating this text can be used to reflect on the Christmas message, as we serve a generous God who truly has displayed this in His Son Jesus Christ. Now many commentators over the centuries have applied this text to economical struggles. St. Augustine for e x a m p l e encouraged the church during his ministry to imitate Christ through showing it by living in poverty. Thomas Aquinas – took it even further by stating that true Christianity is seen in the fact that every C h r i s t i a n should take a vow of poverty.

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Even John Calvin said the following: “Thus He sanctified poverty in His own person so that b e l i eve r s should no longer shrink from it and by His poverty He has enriched us.” Well how can I apply this text to the great message of Christmas and still be true to the context. I believe this text encapsulates the message of the Gospel as found in scripture with the additional benefit of revealing that generosity is also part of the Gospel. Look at this text again, and enjoy the truths that emanate from it.

Christ Was Rich Yet He Became Poor.

Christ is the greatest gift of true love. No example is better than Christ. Christ is the supreme example of giving, He is our incentive for life. All of heaven belongs to Him. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice His Title. This is the Name that is above every name, Philippians 2. It is at this Name that every knee will bow and every tongue

SPIRITUAL AND MORAL EMPOWERMENT

confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the Eternal Christ, this is the main teaching in Christology, the crucial truth. He owns everything. All divine names and titles belong to Him. He is called the Mighty God, Lord of Lords, King of Kings. All divine attributes belong to Him, He is declared as omnipresent, omniscient, almighty, omnipotent. He is forever the same, unchanging God. He is set forth as the creator, and upholder of the universe, He created all things and through Him all things exist. He is worthy of worship and adoration. To him we are responsible, as we are required to honor and adore Him. Christmas reminds us of our great Savior and we come this morning to worship Him. Let us look further and see that He who was rich became poor, this is the very essence of the Gospel. This poverty is not economical, it is deeper than that. Paul here is referring to Christ Incarnation. He left the glory of heaven, the face to face fellowship with the Father, the worship of the angels and miraculously took on the form of a servant, and dwelt amongst us. He was for a time made a little lower than the angels. Christ in His Incarnation became poor. He came and associated himself with man. He the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us. This is the message of Christmas and Paul is telling the Corinthian believers that no matter how much they give financially to help the Jerusalem Church, they can never out give Christ, as He is the extreme example of giving. Although He Was rich, yet for our sake He became poor.

before us and has set the example. He has associated himself with us. The stable is a reminder that He associates Himself with us. His Incarnation is key to understanding the Gospel and its power. He walked this earth, felt our pain and in every way experienced our plight. Look further and see the reason for His Incarnation:

Through His Poverty, we might Become Rich.

Wow this is powerful. What is this referring to. Remember in the garden. Our first parents, they enjoyed fellowship with the Father and that fellowship was broken because of disobedience. This rich is referring to Relationship. Yes there is restoration because Christ became obedient to death on a cross son that we might be restored in relationship with the father. I am the Way the Truth and The Life, no man goes to t h e

Father except through Me. If you know me, you know the Father. I have come to do the will of the Father who sent Me. Paul is instructing us that it, is because of Christ that they are rich. So in their giving the must never lose sight of this truth. Christmas is the reminder of this. The Christ who is rich, became poor so that we might become rich. He has restored Relationship and so now we are rich and we are a Royal Priesthood, a chosen people. We have a new identity. We are as it were already through His grace seated in Heavenly places. We are a people of God. We have a new identity. Yes in Him we are rich. This is deeper than monetary value. This is, Eternal and let us not forget that it is Christmas that reminds us of how privileged we are. The Church in Smyrna although they suffered and were poor financially, Christ declared them to be rich. Folk Christmas is a time of celebration because of the Person of Christ. He has come to give us abundant life. Now you know why I have referred to this text as the ABC’s of Christmas. Yes in the middle of Paul’s teaching on Generosity he come and points us to the most Generous God, namely our Lord Jesus Christ, who being rich for our sake became poor so that we might become rich. All Glory belong to Him. Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Beloved as you spend this Christmas c e l e b ra t i n g never forget that Christ is the reason for our celebration. He has gone Regional Office III - Central Luzon 19

FEATURE STORY

QUALITY ASSURANCE & HYDROLOGY DIVISION

WILFREDO J. FAJARDO DIVISION CHIEF

MANOLITO D. ALBERTO ASSISTANT DIVISION CHIEF

VIOLETA T. LIWANAG SECTION CHIEF QUALITY IMPLEMENTATION

YOLANDA P. CASTRO SECTION CHIEF LABORATORY (MATERIALS TESTING)

ULYSSES R. MANIAGO SECTION CHIEF 20 Department of Public Works and Highways

HYDROLOGY

FEATURE STORY

uality is said to be one of the pillars of project management and for the Department of Public Works and Highways, one possible way to describe quality is through the completion of projects that meet the standards of efficiency, safety, and economic sustainability.

Ensuring that every citizen in Central Luzon is provided with high-quality infrastructure is the main priority of the DPWH Region III - Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division headed by Engr. Wilfredo J. Fajardo.

In an article written by Daniel F. Runde published at the Center for Strategic and International Studies website on January 9, 2017, it was said that “high-quality infrastructure provides direct positive impacts, including higher efficiency, increased safety, decreased environmental impact, and more effective delivery of public goods and services.” And indeed, it is easier for endusers or external stakeholders to appreciate the value delivered by quality infrastructure.

“Quality Assurance is the process by which we identify all the quality requirements of a project, as well as the review of all quality documents relevant to the quality requirements of an ongoing project. These are deemed critical in guaranteeing the overall success of the construction project,” Engr. Fajardo explained. To achieve the availability of high-quality and economically efficient infrastructures, the QAHD continues to build the technical capacity of their Materials Engineers for planning and management of DPWH projects through training and development programs, and in the continuous upgrading of its testing laboratory by means of procuring modern laboratory equipment.

testing capability of the QAHD, Engr. Fajardo said that they all strived to attain the required star rating for the operation of their testing laboratory. And in December 2013, the QAHD Materials Testing Laboratory received its Star Rating Certification as a One-Star Materials Testing Laboratory, and just a few months later, it was upgraded to become a Two-Star Materials Testing Laboratory in July 2014. But having a Two-Star Materials Testing laboratory is not enough for them to fulfill their mandate of implementing the agency’s quality assurance policies such as monitoring compliance of the different DPWH offices with the approved Quality Assurance Programs; reviewing of Quality Control Programs prepared by the contractor’s Materials Engineer; conducting the necessary field

“Having a testing laboratory is necessary for us to be able to test the quality of construction materials used in the implementation of projects undertaken by the Regional, Project Management, and District Engineering Offices, as well as by local government units and other government and private entities,” Engr. Fajardo said. In order for them to manage the quality of the projects and further enhance the materials (Continued on page 22)

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FEATURE STORY

(Quality Assurance... Continued from page 21)

materials relative to its actual use in the project, the ability to implement quality control policies and the quality of completed work are evaluated; second is project supervision in which the adequacy and competence of the personnel involved in the project implementation are assessed; and lastly, Laboratory Management,” Engr. Alberto clarified.

testing of construction materials and completed works; and the operation of stream gauging stations and the collection of hydrologic information needed in flood mitigation and management.

of project implementation, and having Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) assessments is one way to ensure the implementation of the Department’s Quality Assurance Program.

Based on the statements of Engr. Alberto, it can be surmised that the DPWH can achieve effective quality assurance through compliance to construction specification standards, in maintaining a properly organized and wellequipped materials testing laboratory, and having knowledgeable employees who will conduct the necessary quality

“Our technically competent workforce is the reason why we are able to perform our duties efficiently, from our engineers to our administrative support staffs, we are working together to make certain that all infrastructure projects meet the quality standards required in project design until its construction phase. We know that the delivery of high-quality public facilities has important socio-economic benefits and it also helps in improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” Engr. Fajardo added. The QAHD, in the performance of its mandate is further divided into three Sections - the Quality Implementation Section under Engr. Violeta T. Liwanag, the Materials Testing Section headed by Engr. Yolanda P. Castro, and the Hydrology Section under the supervision of Engr. Ulysses R. Maniago. Assisting in the management of the office is Engr. Manolito D. Alberto as the current Assistant Division Chief. GETTING INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHT It is said that quality doesn’t happen by chance and it needs to be managed at every stage

Engr. Alberto explained that the result of the Annual Rating of Quality Assurance Performance in Project Implementation for CY 2020 conducted by the Bureau of Quality and Safety (BQS) shows that DPWH Region III got an overall Quality Assurance Performance Rating of Very Satisfactory and three of its offices - the Regional Office, Tarlac 1st and Tarlac 2nd District Engineering Offices achieved the Quality Assurance Performance Rating of Outstanding. “There are three aspects that are subjected to quality audit and these are: first, the effectiveness of quality assurance implementation wherein the timeliness of testing

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assurance tests. Quality assurance is not a requirement in project implementation but rather a commitment to deliver projects that meet or exceed stakeholders’ expectations, and it is essential to prevent the occurrence of problems with the projects being implemented. “The quality of work at project sites depends on the quality of materials to be used as well as workmanship, so we at QAHD ensure that the highest-quality standards are applied at various stages of project completion,” Engr. Alberto enthused.###

FEATURE STORY

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DISTRICT NEWS

New Guimba Bypass Road now open to motorists

he opening of a new 6-lane bypass road is considered a huge relief for motorists passing through the congested Guimba Section of Nueva EcijaPangasinan Road. “The Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office constructed the 3-kilometer road to bypass the Guimba town proper which is a traffic chokepoint and it is estimated that motorists spend about 30 minutes just to get past the town proper. Now, it will be more convenient to travel since it only takes 6 minutes for motorists to cross the town’s market area,” OIC-District Engineer Armando Z. Manabat explained.

This network development project begins and ends along the Nueva Ecija - Pangasinan Road and traverses Barangays San Roque and Bacayao in Guimba. It also serves as an access road leading to Victoria, Tarlac and the towns of Quezon, Licab, Sto. Domingo and Aliaga in Nueva Ecija.

“The road is now open to all types of vehicles however, there are still civil works that need to be done like the construction of retaining walls, and the installation of thermoplastic pavement markings as well as bicycle lanes which we expect to be completed by 2023,” OIC -DE Manabat said.###

This multi-year project was given an initial budget of P72.7 million under the 2018 General Appropriations Act for the opening of a four-lane roadway and the construction of other road features such as crossdrainage structures while its concreting and widening to six lanes was implemented in 2019.

...it is estimated that motorists spend about 30 minutes just to get past the town proper. Now, it will be more convenient to travel since it only takes 6 minutes for motorists to cross the town’s market area.

ARMANDO Z. MANABAT

Nueva Ecija 1st OIC-District Engineer

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DISTRICT NEWS

DPWH aims to complete Jose V. Yap Sr. Access Road Project by 2022

he Department of Public Works and Highways Tarlac 1st District Engineering Office is expected to fully complete the improvement of the 4.445-kilometer Jose V. Yap Sr. Access Road in San Jose, Tarlac next year. According to District Engineer Erelina B. Santos, the project began in 2019 with the road opening of the 4-lane road connecting Capas-Botolan Road

to the Access Road leading to Tarlac Eco-Tourism Park.

“We saw the importance of this road as an alternative route to well-known tourism destinations in the Municipality of San Jose, hence in 2020, our Office completed the concreting of its 2.831-kilometer section equipped with road safety features such as guard rails and pavement markings to make travel safer and more enjoyable,” DE Santos explained.

DE Santos added that the access road will remain passable to motorists while road improvement activities are ongoing in its 1.072-kilometer section that are expected to be completed soon. It was also stated that the local DPWH office has already requested funding for the concreting of the remaining unpaved stretch of the said access road.###

22-Bed Capacity Modular Hospital soon to rise at MMWGH in Mariveles

he Department of Public Works and Highways-Bataan 2nd District Engineering Office is fast-tracking the completion of the 22-room COVID-19 modular facility inside the Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital (MMWGH) in Bataan. In a statement, District Engineer Ulysses C. Llado said that although a gradual decrease in the number of active COVID-19 cases in the province has been

recorded, the construction of the one (1) unit modular hospital is significant since it can serve as a standby facility in case there is again a surge in the number of cases. “We must continue to take a proactive approach to the management of COVID-19 and in order to prevent the recurrence of the problems brought by the shortage of health facilities, the DPWH continues to support the government’s healthcare

program by building the necessary physical infrastructure such as modular hospitals,” DE Llado explained. The DPWH has been constructing modular hospitals to augment the need for additional beds to further augment the health system capacity for COVID-19 response in provinces with recorded high number of cases.###

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DISTRICT NEWS

DPWH inaugurates new school building, sports facilities at Congressman Erasmo Cruz Memorial Central School in Bocaue

enator Joel Villanueva and Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara led the inauguration of the recently completed 3-storey school building with 15 classrooms, multipurpose building with stage, and rubberized track and field with bleachers at Congressman Erasmo R. Cruz Memorial Central School (CERCMCS) in Brgy. Wakas, Bocaue, Bulacan on October 6, 2021. Also present were CIBAC Party-List Representative Atty. Sherwin Tugna, Bocaue

Vice Mayor Alvin Paul SP. Cotaco, DepEd Bocaue District Supervisor Dr. Ma. Neriza Fanuncio, CERCMCS Principal Ma. Alma V. Balanza, and selected officials of the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

been limited due to the prevailing quarantine classifications. However, we never considered this pandemic as an obstacle and in fact, we have completed our projects ahead of schedule,” DE Alcantara said.

In a statement, DE Alcantara said these projects with a total cost of P96.04 million were completed despite construction challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DE Alcantara also explained that with the completion of these projects, students will be provided with a better physical learning environment in case the government allows the resumption of physical classes.###

“We are in the middle of a public health crisis and admittedly, construction activities at project sites have

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DISTRICT NEWS

Public Consultation held on Construction of Ala-Uli Flyover in Pilar

he Department of Public Works and Highways is set to construct a 607.753 lineal meter, 4-lane steel flyover along Roman Expressway in Brgy. Ala-uli, Pilar, Bataan under the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project (MBURDP), a program that involves the nationwide construction of bridges and flyovers that aims to provide better road network along secondary national highways. To ensure the smooth implementation of this proposed project, a consultation meeting was held on November 4, 2021 at the Pilar Municipal Hall attended by Bataan Provincial Governor Abet Garcia and Pilar Mayor Charlie Pizarro, Project Manager Nina Y. Maniaul of DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Bridge Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC), Bataan 2nd District Engineer Ulysses

C. Llado, key officials of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, and representatives of the Bataan Space Cable Network, Peninsula Electric Cooperative, Inc., and PLDT. In a statement, DE Llado said that external stakeholders who attended the consultation meeting expressed their excitement for this upcoming mega-bridge project that will significantly contribute in resolving the usual traffic buildup at the intersection of Roman Expressway and Gov. JJ Linao National Road. He also added that representatives of the utility companies voiced their support in the implementation of the project and have committed for the relocation of utility poles and service lines that may be affected by the project. The Ala-uli intersection is considered a traffic chokepoint

for vehicles going to and from the towns of Mariveles and Pilar. Based on the 2019 Road Traffic Information Application, the annual average daily traffic of Gov. JJ Linao National Road leading to Pilar and the Roman Expressway are at 11,579 and 28,556 respectively, so with the construction of this flyover, it is expected that there will be significant improvement in mobility which is very essential to economic and social development. Meanwhile, Public Works Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino affirmed that his Office will closely monitor the implementation of the project once it starts as he is aware of the need for modern, efficient and reliable infrastructure that will help increase road capacity and ease traffic congestion in the signalized intersection of Alauli.###

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DISTRICT NEWS

DPWH, AAR discuss implementation of 2021 TIKAS Projects

coordination meeting was held between the Department of Public Works and Highways – Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office and Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) of the Philippine Army on September 30, 2021 to discuss the implementation of five (5) projects inside the Fort Ramon Magsaysay worth P75.715-million whose funding was tagged as “For Later Release”. These projects under the DPWH and the Department of National Defense (DND) Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) Program include the construction of one (1) 2nd ADA Battery Basing Faciliy, one (1) two-storey Officers Quarter, one (1) Mobile Structures for 2nd 155MM Self-Propelled Battery Facility, two (2) Training Barracks, and one (1) Higher Head Quarters (HHQ) Battery. The DPWH-Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office delegation was welcomed by AAR Commander Brigadier General Romulo A. Manuel, Jr. “The entire Army Artillery Regiment is excited at the

scheduled construction of the five (5) military facilities as these are the first projects that we have received under the TIKAS Program,” BGen. Manuel, Jr. explained. The Regiment Commander also extended his gratitude towards the DPWH for addressing the AAR’s needs for infrastructure development and mentioned that the facilities will benefit all the units of the AAR all over the Philippines. Every structure to be built within the AAR will have an equal benefit to its users, such as the 2nd ADA Battery Basing Facility and 155MM Mobile Structures intended to house newly activated units of the Regiment such as Air Defense and SelfPropelled Howitzers. Meanwhile, the Training Barracks will house personnel undergoing various trainings and seminars such as specialization training and in-service training; the Officers’ Quarters will be used to accommodate different staff officers of the command; while the HHQ Battery transient facility is expected to ensure the billeting requirements of officers

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and enlisted personnel coming from the line units of AAR when coming to Fort Magsaysay. These projects are aimed to contribute in strengthening the country’s national defense and security by providing military personnel with conducive, modernize, and functional facilities. “This regiment has nine battalions and seven separate batteries. Distributed din tayo nationwide. Kaya yung mga facilities na itatayo, pati yung mga personnel coming from different units as far as Jolo (magagamit din nila),” BGen. Manuel uttered, adding that he hopes for smooth project implementation with NE 2nd DEO. Also present during the meeting were Deputy Regiment Commander Colonel Ray Claudio R. Abaya; Chief of Staff Colonel Hubert S. Acierto; Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics Major Enstien L. Dela Cruz; Master Sergeant Joel B. Alegre, Acting Regiment Sergeant Major; and selected DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd DEO officials and employees.###

DISTRICT NEWS

DPWH, Dingalan Officials lead convention center groundbreaking rite

he Department of Public Works and Highways Aurora District Engineering Office together with the Local Government of Dingalan held a groundbreaking event on October 18, 2021 to mark the start of construction of a new convention center in Capitol Hills (Turod) Brgy. Davil-Davilan, Dingalan, Aurora. The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel T. Angara along with Dingalan Mayor Shierwin H. Taay, Assistant District Engineer Emerson Abella representing Aurora District

Engineer Roderick A. Andal, Project Engineer Joe Michael G. Leander and other key public officials. The P93.59-million convention center is part of the government’s plan to boost tourism infrastructure development in Dingalan. Once operational, it is expected to attract the interests of local event organizers as it can be the venue for various local, regional, and national gatherings. The center was designed to accommodate 1,000 guests and has amenities such as a 995-square meter convention hall, 290-square meter exhibit hall, an administration building,

and a parking area with 140 car parking slots. “We are optimistic that this project will have a significant impact on Dingalan’s economy and its tourism industry, and our Construction Section have committed for the close supervision and monitoring of project implementation and that all construction activities will be completed as scheduled,” DE Andal stated. Andal also expressed his belief that travel and tourism are the main economic drivers that will help Dingalan recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.###

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 29

AURORA DEO

This P4.77 million project will serve as an office for barangay officials and can also accommodate several units of the local government responsible in the delivery of basic services to residents of Brgy. Masagana, Dilasag, Aurora.

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DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

BATAAN 1ST DEO

BATAAN 2nd DEO

A total amount of P42.7 million was allotted for the 3.2-meter road widening of the 1.8 kilometer portion of the Gov JJ Linao Road in Pilar, Bataan.

WIDENING OF EPZA BYPASS ROAD

BRGY. ALA-ULI FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD Regional Office III - Central Luzon 31

DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

NUEVA ECIJA 1ST DEO

The 2.2495 farm-to-market road projects amounting to P21.63-million in Barangay Buted, Talugtug and Brgy. Latap, Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija are expected to help in the development of these local communities.

Construction of Flood Control Structure along Rio Chico River in Brgy. Sta. Veronica, Guimba, Nueva Ecija.

NUEVA ECIJA 2ND DEO

Four (4) Asset Preservation and Preventive Maintenance programs in various primary, secondary, and tertiary roads in Nueva Ecija were completed this year by NE 2nd DEO. 32 Department of Public Works and Highways

DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Construction of two (2) elementary school buildings in the towns of Jaen and San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija.

Three (3) flood control structures with a total length of 820.80 l.m. were completed in Brgy. Sto. Tomas South in Jaen and Brgy. Calaba in San Isidro amounting to P90-million, and a 452.40 l.m. structure in Brgy. Callos, Peñaranda costing P72.09 million. Also, two (2) riverbank protection structures with a total length of 1,437.00 l.m. amounting to P80.53 million were constructed along Coronel River in the town of Gabaldon.

Rehabilitation of the existing water system in Barangay San Lorenzo and installation of three (3) overhead tanks in the barangays of Mahipon, Puting Tubig, and Kapalangan, Gapan City.

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DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

A total of P61.6 million has been allocated for the construction of seven (7) Barangay Halls, five (5) school gyms, four (4) barangay covered courts, six (6) Day Care Centers, and one (1) Senior Citizen Building.

Concreting of the 1.3440 lane kilometer section of a farm-to-market road in Brgy. Diversion, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.

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DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

PAMPANGA 1ST DEO

Construction of a three (3)-storey building with six (6) classrooms at Malino Integrated School, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

ThE new four-lane 3.326-kilometer bypass road that runs along Barangay Balucuc and Tabuyuc in Apalit, Pampanga was opened to motorists in August 2021. Regional Office III - Central Luzon 35

DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

PAMPANGA 2ND DEO

36 Department of Public Works and Highways

DEOs PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

TARLAC 1ST DEO

A total of 340 meters or 5,996.20 sq.m netting area has been installed along San Jose - Palauig Road in San Jose, Tarlac under the project’s Phase 1 - Segment 1, Phase 2, and Segment 5, while another 3,284 sq meters was recently completed under Phase 3.

TARLAC 2ND DEO

Concreting of the 880.00 - linear meter sugarcane farm-to-mill road in Barangay San Martin, Concepcion, Tarlac. Regional Office III - Central Luzon 37

3 Facts About the Omicron Surge

f it seems like COVID-19 is everywhere right now— it is. The United States is now experiencing its highest case counts of the pandemic, thanks to the highly contagious omicron variant. “This is going to be a very difficult winter as cases infected with the omicron variant of COVID-19 spike high,” says UNC Health infectious diseases specialist David Wohl, MD. “We are ready for this pandemic to be done, but it is hardly done with us.” The good news? We have widely available vaccines and boosters that can continue to protect us, and omicron is different from previous variants in important ways. Read on to learn more. 1. Vaccines, especially boosters, continue to offer important protection. There is strong evidence from laboratory studies and realworld reporting that vaccines protect against infection and, especially, severe disease due to this variant. Booster shots have been shown particularly helpful; researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital published a new study, not yet peer-reviewed, that shows mRNA booster shots are highly effective at neutralizing omicron (that’s Pfizer and Moderna). They found that the blood from people who had the original shots but had not been boosted had less activity against the virus. The data are lining up to show that vaccines and boosters remain key to avoid getting seriously ill, Dr. Wohl says.

2. Omicron appears to be significantly more contagious than delta. The speed at which omicron is spreading makes it clear that it is much more contagious than delta. Therefore, health officials are urging people to take extra precautions to avoid infection, even if you are vaccinated. “The rate at which omicron has taken over delta is remarkable and shows how much more transmissible this variant is. What worked to avoid delta infection may not be enough to prevent catching omicron so people should be vigilant with masking and distancing, and, of course, being vaccinated,” Dr. Wohl advises. There is early evidence that omicron causes less severe disease than previous variants. Even so, infection rates are so high that overextended hospitals are still struggling to care for patients, both those with COVID-19 and those with other conditions. Vulnerable populations, such as older adults and the immunocompromised, are still susceptible to serious illness and death. 3. Masks, avoiding crowds, physical distancing and testing still work to prevent omicron transmission. The methods we’ve used since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 to help prevent COVID-19 will still help us now. If you’re going to be around other people inside who are not from your household, particularly if some of those people might be unvaccinated or the group is a large one, wear a properly fitting mask over your mouth and nose.

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People who have relaxed some of their COVID-19 precautions in recent months might want to be a bit more careful with omicron spreading. That means mask-wearing in the grocery store, avoiding crowded events, or wearing a mask when visiting older relatives, for example. Testing, including rapid athome tests that can be bought at the drugstore, is helpful. If you are going to gather in a group or travel, it’s a good idea to get tested at a testing site—PCR tests are the most accurate—or do an at-home test. The at-home versions aren’t perfect, but they do a pretty good job of detecting infectious cases, Dr. Wohl says. If you test positive, you need to stay away from others and avoid transmission. And while COVID-19 is an airborne disease, keep up regular hand-washing and disinfection of surfaces, which will also help reduce the transmission of flu, RSV and other common winter infections. “It is hard to be dealing with another winter of surging cases and hospitalization and pandemic precautions,” Dr. Wohl says. “But we have the tools to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safer. If we can keep this surge short, we will avoid lockdowns and other mitigations that none of us want to see again.”

https://healthtalk.unchealthcare. org/3-facts-about-the-omicron-surge/?fbclid=IwAR24ySQGsj1wlZXSR6Gfnw49yPWwgsSVek_PVYtdI8RnWr3VBXjq5ufmlLA

SPIRITUAL AND MORAL EMPOWERMENT

GOD’S WILL IN OUR LIFE Genesis 29:18-30

Disclaimer: This article was published unedited.

BRO. BONG D. MEDINA Primary 12 Leader Christ In You Faith International Ministries

n this chapter, of the Book of Genesis, we can look at the reality and manifestation of God’s will in the life of Jacob--his journey, his work, his marriage and in his own family. How may we see and experience God’s will in our life as we behold a part of Jacob’s life story? A. IT IS OPENED WITH THE “KNOCKS” OF GOOD MOTIVE, v. 18 >18 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” A sincere intentionality and whole hearted service can be considered as a GOOD MOTIVE. This can soften God’s heart in our favor as He did to Jacob. B. IT CANNOT BE OBSTRUCTED BY TIME, v, 18 & 30

C. IT CANNOT BE BLOCKED BY THE “BARRIERS” OF DECEPTION, v. 23,25 & 30 >23 But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. 25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”

D. IT WILL DEVELOP PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE, v. 30b

>18 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years. Thinking and having found the person--a partner for the rest of his life, Jacob loved and considered Rachel to be the RIGHT PERSON, so, he patiently waited for the right time.

For Jacob and her beloved Rachel, God has not yet established the moment that they have been waiting--the RIGHT TIME.

>”So Jacob..served Laban for another seven years.”

30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and h e loved Rachel more than Leah, and s e r v e d Laban for another seven years. God’s sovereignty is beyond human comprehension, as it is said in Proverbs 16:9 - “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER..❤️❤️❤️🎊🎉 Over time and in GOD’S TIME, through patience and perseverance our CHARACTER will be built and be strengthen in accordance with GOD’S WILL and PURPOSE TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Regional Office III - Central Luzon 39

Director Ayag, now full-fledged ARD

epartment of Public Works and Highways - Region III Assistant Director Denise Maria M. Ayag has been duly appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as Director III and formally took his oath as full-fledged ARD before DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado on November 12, 2021 after having served as OIC-ARD since 2019. ARD Ayag was formerly District Engineer of Bukidnon 3rd District Engineering Office, Region X prior to his designation as OIC-ARD of DPWH Regional Office III by virtue of Special-Order No. 87 dated July 30, 2019. And because of consistently attaining the highest overall statistical ratings in the aspects of planning, design, implementation, and quality control of infrastructure projects; even in road maintenance and financial management, he was named by DPWH Regional Office X as 2016 Outstanding District Engineer and 2017 District Engineer of the Year. Since joining the agency as Civil Engineer Aide II in DPWH Region IV-B in 1987, ARD Ayag rose from the ranks to become Engineer II on November 3, 1989, after which he was promoted to Engineer III in September 2004. In May 2009, he became the Technical Assistant of the Office of the Regional Director of Region X in Cagayan de Oro. From June 17, 2010 to November 26, 2012, he was the OIC Assistant District Engineer of Misamis Occidental 1st DEO until he became the regular Assistant District Engineer on November 27, 2012 of said office.###