Special (COVID - 19) Issue, April-June 2020
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI, through the initiative of Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado, is undertaking various measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the workplace. Employees are provided with face masks made by the Regional Director with the help of the Division chiefs. Each office is also provided with alcohol and foot bath for disinfection; handwashing areas are also installed for both employees and visitors. Thermal scanning of employees’ temperature, which is done twice a day is also practiced to ensure that employees are not having fever, which is one of the signs of the virus. Social distancing is strictly practiced in the Office to avoid possible transmission of the virus. DPWH is one with the nation in fighting against COVID-19 pandemic.
DPWH-6 TOP MANAGEMENT. L-R: Engr.Ma. Lucila C. Piñero of Maintenance Division; Atty. Mary Grace B. Bulaquiña of Right-Of-Way Acquisition & Legal Division; Engr. Elsie V. Sabay of Construction Division; Engr. Van Gardose of Equipment Management Division; Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado; OIC-Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto; Engr. Edwin M. Sales of Quality Assurance & Hydrology Division; Engr. Marilou G. Zamora of Planning & Design Division; Ms. Iris G. Sargado of Finance Division; and Ms. Evelyn D. Roxas of the Administrative Division.
Coping with the LEA N. DELFINADO, CESO III Regional Director
THE
outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health crisis and has come as a huge shock to us. Over the past months, we have experienced an unexpected shift in our way of living. When DOH confirmed local transmissions of COVID-19 in Region VI, followed by issuances of Executive Orders for closure of borders, lockdowns and quarantine procedures in various provinces, the surge of emotions was overwhelming. I was worried about the safety of my loved ones, including my DPWH family. There were so many concerns to attend to such as temporary ban on construction activities brought by movement restrictions across the province, among others. There were a lot of critical decisions I needed to make and I know that I had to step up. Instead of looking at the hurdles ahead, I shifted my focus on the things that I have control over. Having a positive mindset is really crucial in coping with difficult circumstances, especially in facing an unseen enemy. With the help of some colleagues, I decided to channel my worries into something more productive, one of which was to make customized face masks for all employees in the Regional Office. It is during these unsettling times that the Department emphasized the significant role of our employees as valuable assets in the continued development of the organization. Their welfare remains to be our main priority. To help our personnel perform their duties without compromising health and safety, we extended transportation services and offered accommodation for employees residing in far-flung areas. We also adopted an alternative work arrangement as support mechanism for the duration of this public health emergency. Recently, all personnel in the Regional Office underwent COVID-19 rapid antibody screening test to ensure their health and safety amid the pandemic. Lending a helping hand to frontline agencies with insufficient equipment and manpower, assistance in transporting basic necessities was offered to ensure that their operations remain free from logistics problems. Service vehicles were also provided to health workers and other service frontliners. Guidelines on basic hygiene, workplace sanitation, and social distancing measures were followed to make the workplace safe and possibly mitigate and suppress viral transmission. Mandatory wearing of facemask, temperature checking, hand hygiene, and utilization of disinfection foot baths were strictly implemented. Protective desk shields in every transaction/receiving tables of each office were also installed. Sanitation and disinfection activities were conducted by District Engineering Offices on vehicles
2
traversing national highways and convergence areas composed of checkpoints, government facilities, churches, schools, markets, hospitals, medical facilities and other public areas to help curb the spread of the virus. Our Department has worked tirelessly during this pandemic and will continue to fight the battle against COVID-19. As what Secretary Mark A. Villar said, he is proud “to be part of the Department manned by people who take public service seriously.� Though there are no clear traces of silver lining ahead, let us put into perspective that to win the war against COVID-19, we have to develop a mindset that focuses on what we can do and on what we can change.
Let us not lose heart in running this race. Let us work together as we cope with the new normal.
BUILDERS
Dpwh Provides Vehicles for Food Distribution in Western Visayas IN this time of COVID-19 pandemic, getting food on the table is a major concern for families in need, especially that most if not all, are not capable of earning due to work stoppage. With the temporary closure of food establishments, followed by rounds of layoffs and furloughs, the previously employed are now swelling the ranks of those requiring food assistance. Hence, measures to prevent the spread of this disease have added to the anxieties of not only those families but those now finding themselves without income. As its contribution, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Region 6 mobilized its equipment and vehicles to provide logistical assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the distribution of family food packs to various provinces in Western Visayas.
Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado said regular coordination with DSWD is maintained for the immediate delivery of available government goods. Heads of the 15 District Engineering Offices were also instructed to coordinate with
Special (COVID-19) Issue, April-June 2020
Local Government Units (LGUs) under their jurisdiction and provide necessary equipment that might be needed in hauling and delivery of the goods to the communities, especially to areas that are hardly reached by ordinary vehicles.
— dpwhr6/wvb/rpaio
DPWH dump truck loaded with relief goods from DSWD ready to be deployed to various areas in Western Visayas.
3
DPWH Regional Office VI employees underwent nCOV antibody screening test
PERSONNEL of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Regional Office, thru the initiative of Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado underwent nCOV antibody screening test to ensure that they are fit to work amid the Coronavirus disease (COVID19) pandemic. A total of 597 individuals working at the Regional Office consisting of officials, rank and file employees and job order personnel, as well as security and utility personnel were tested using the SARS-CoV-2 19G/19M Casette Rapid Test administered by a private testing center. As a general protocol, employees were asked whether they have experienced symptoms of the disease for the last two weeks, such as fever,
cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, body pains, diarrhea and the like,; or if they have travel history to places with cases of COVID-19, both domestic and international; or history of close contact with individuals with confirmed COVID-19 cases, or persons under Investigation (PUI). Fortunately, negative antibody test result for COVID-19 was noted to all who underwent the test, thus everyone was fit to go on working. “We are happy to know that all our employees are found negative, thus our health will not be compromised and we can go on
performing our respective duties,” Definado said. Delfinado also urged various District Engineering Offices in the region to submit their employees for a rapid test to ensure their safety and wellness. — dpwhr6/wvb/rpaio
DPWH disinfects schools in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Negros Occidental 3 r d District Engineering Office conducted disinfection and decontamination activities in support to CY 2020 Oplan Brigada EskwelaBalik Eskwela Program of the Department of Education (DepEd). At the onset of the school decontamination activities for the week, this office had disinfected three
(3) public schools namely, Binicuil National High School, San Jose Elementary School, and Esteban R. Abada Memorial School – East in the City of Kabankalan in close coordination with their respective school principals as they brace themselves in the enrolment activities under the new normal set-up. Vegetation control was also conducted on the entire premises as it
may have deemed necessary to clear some areas which were momentarily occupied by excessive grass. Undertaking said activities are way of support to the Department of Education Program to assist them in preparing their workplace as well as securing their safety on threats that the COVID-19 can immensely bring to public as they were getting ready to kick-of their Calendar Year for the opening of classes in accordance to the guidelines and their recommendation of their Department. The conduct of school disinfection activities of this office is scheduled once a week (whole day activity). It is noted that this office will be taking its necessary precautionary measures and abide protocols as provided in interim guidance of the Department as we continue to support every agency’s program amidst the COVID crisis.
— dpwhr6/wvb/negocc3rddeo
4
BUILDERS
DPWH fights
COVID-19 on the road
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Regional Office VI and its 15 District Engineering Offices have set up sanitation stations along various national highways in the region to help curb the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) following the directive of Secretary Mark A. Villar. Geared with personal protective equipment, the DPWH personnel are manning the sanitation/decontamination tents which are stationed in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental as well as Iloilo City and Bacolod City. "The DPWH VI is intensifying its response measure to fight the spread of the COVID-19 by ensuring that vehicles traversing the national highways,
Photo courtesy of DPWH Iloilo 2nd DEO provides sanitation pads along national roads as its contribution in fighting | DPWH against the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
particularly the provincial borders in the region will pass the sanitation/decontamination tents" Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado said. She added that District Engineering Offices have conducted disinfection operations in public markets, municipal/barangay halls, evacuation centers, and other public establishments in close coordination with local
government units (LGUs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs). Delfinado assured the public that DPWH continues to be a strong partner of the government in combatting the spread of the deadly virus. Disinfection operations will continue for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine in the said provinces and cities.
— dpwhr6/wvb/rpaio
Construction workers tested negative for COVID-19: Project implementation continues at Capiz 2nd DEO
SOME 150 construction workers of different contractors tested negative for COVID-19, after the rapid test conducted on May 21, 2020 in Consolacion, Dumalag, Capiz, according to OIC-District Engineer Dene B. Baldonado, Jr. “This means that work in projects
that are undertaken by these contractors shall continue,” he said. “We are currently on the process of issuing accreditation/construction quarantine passes for these workers. Other contractors have also coordinated with us regarding their scheduled rapid test,” he added. Baldonado also said the mandatory rapid test for workers, which was conducted by Department of Health-accredited medical doctors and medical technologists, was in compliance to [Department Order No. 35, s. 2020, later repealed by] Department Order No. 39, s. 2020. “The contractors themselves arranged the conduct of the test, while we coordinated with the Municipality of Dumalag, the Rural Health Unit, and Barangay Consolacion for the venue,”
Special (COVID-19) Issue, April-June 2020
he said. The rapid test was necessary to ensure these workers’ safety and welfare because they are crucial in project implementation, he said. “Since the workers are negative for the virus, they are fit and well and they can continue working in the project sites despite the current public health crisis,” he stressed. Baldonado further said prior-todeployment and during-deployment construction safety guidelines in the implementation of the projects should be followed by the construction workers, as well as proper hygiene and social distancing. “We will also closely monitor the contractors’ compliance to all other guidelines,” he added.
— dpwhr6/wvb/capiz2nddeo
5
Handwashing stations using recycled drums installed in Iloilo By: Fema G. Guadalupe WITH the rising cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) putting Iloilo City under extended community quarantine, DPWHIloilo City District Engineering Office has come up with an idea of converting recycled drums into portable washing stations. District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo has reported that the fabricated washing station is purposely made for all employees and walk-in visitors to observe precautionary measures to counter the further spread of the virus. “The practice of hand washing with soap and water is a simple yet effective means to control the spread of COVID-19.” he said. The fabricated hand washing station is made up of scrap used drums and functions using foot pedal, operating it hand-free to prevent contamination. Two hand washing stations were initially installed at the entrance of the district office serving dual-purpose. Used water from the sink through poles is also
Improvised handwashing stations using recycled drums provided by DPWH, Iloilo City DEO for the use of their employees. Same stations are placed in various public areas in the city.
directly being used to water the plants surrounding the area. Aside from the washing stations initially installed at the office, DPWH-ICDEO will be giving out five (5) more sets of recycled
water stations for utilization in various locations in the city for the community to learn and understand the importance of hand washing and personal hygiene. — dpwhr6/wvb/iloilocitydeo
DPWH 4th DEO donates handwashing stations to Sta. Barbara LGU By: Debbie L. Amper DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office was recently lauded by Sta. Barbara Local Government Unit in its significant contribution in the fight against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said a total of 4 hand washing stations, 1 drum of chlorine and 2 gallons of zonrox were given to Sta. Barbara LGU. Said stations will be installed in Sta. Barbara Quarantine facility, Rural Health Unit, Municipal building and Operations Center. Other than handwashing stations, the District has provided various sanitation areas in public places and undertaken disinfection of public places in the town.
— dpwhr6/wvb/iloilo4thdeo
6
BUILDERS
“We Fight As One” DPWH joins the battle against COVID-19 By: Jose Al V. Fruto
AS we, the Filipino people, braced for tougher times as we continue our fight against COVID19, Secretary Mark A. Villar of the DPWH instructed the various field offices of the DPWH to set up sanitation stations in front of their offices and along national roads in the region to help curb the spread of the virus. The idea of installing Decontamination/Sanitation Tents on Interprovincial Borders was then conceptualized when the Antique COVID-19 Inter Agency Task Force visited and observed the functionality/ effectiveness of the Sanitation Tent that the Antique District Engineering Office installed at the main entrance of their office to sanitize all incoming vehicles and employees. The facility (Sanitation Tent) as well as its operability, got the approval of the Task Force. It was then that the idea of putting up similar facility on Interprovincial Borders was brought up and discussed with the COVID19 Task Force. The Task Force, particularly the Department of Health, with conviction, recommended that this facility will be more effective if it can be made bigger to disinfect/sanitize all the delivery/ cargo trucks/vans and all persons authorized to travel outside of residence, including the transport of health/medical workers that may cross Interprovincial Borders. We take cognizance also of the fact that the DPWH, especially during these trying times, has the mandate and the moral obligation to ensure that our national roads and bridges especially the trunk line connecting provinces are maintained and upkept, to facilitate the unimpeded flow of traffic, both for vehicles and authorized persons working 24/7 along the supply chain. Further, it is of equal importance to safeguard the welfare and well-being of our personnel especially those that are exposed to the elements while manning these facilities... THE SAFETY OF OUR PERSONNEL IS PARAMOUNT… The Tent undergone modifications and the innovative minds in the District Office come into play, with the full support and guidance of Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado, making use of whatever materials and equipment
Sanitation tent installed by DPWH at the border of Iloilo and Antique. available within the Province of Antique, to come up with this Decontamination/Sanitation Tent including complement Sanitation Features. The tent is 4.0m wide, 6.0m long and 4.88m high, that can accommodate the widest/tallest articulated trucks, wing vans, and the like. The sidewalls are made of aluminum furring for the frame and thick plastic sheet for cover; it is lightweight and easy to install. A sprinkling/misting system is installed using varied improvised nozzles generally sourced from the farm implements available in the province. Plastic curtain walls are also placed in front and back of the tent to contain the mist/spray (disinfectant). To lessen the number of personnel manning the facilities and to minimize their exposure to the elements, a STOP and GO signalization was introduced. This is in consideration of the 24/7 operation of the facility to maintain the delivery/ transport in the supply line. The tent is complemented by other sanitation facilities such as: improvised lavatories for handwashing with drainage facility to discharge wastewater; portalet (with water closet) with improvised septic tank; footbath (with disinfectant); elevated water tanks for water supply. It is worth mentioning that the facility and its operability is approved by the Antique COVID19 Inter Agency Task Force… and IT IS WORKING! Subsequently, Director Lea N. Delfinado already instructed all District Engineers in Region VI with interprovincial borders to replicate the installation of this Decontamination/ Sanitation Tent in their Areas of
Special (COVID-19) Issue, April-June 2020
Responsibility (AOR). Indeed, we need extraordinary people to do extraordinary things in these extraordinary times… Our brave men in the frontline, our ORANGE BOYS, once again, personified the true value and meaning of public service beyond the Call of Duty. Their commitment to our FIGHT against COVID19 is beyond reproach. We are overwhelmed by their passion and dedication to contribute to our CAUSE… it’s more than inspiring… no words can describe the true grit of their indomitable and unyielding spirit. We can only succeed in this BATTLE against the deadly virus if WE FIGHT AS ONE!...
JOSE AL V. FRUTO, CES E OIC-Assistant Regional Director
7
BUILDERS Special (COVID-19) Issue, April-June 2020
LEA N. DELFINADO, CESO III Regional Director
JOSE AL V. FRUTO, CES E OIC-Assistant Regional Director
EDITORIAL STAFF: IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO Editor-in-Chief
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the start of the rainy season, partner organizations during the province-wide clean-up ‘Limpyo Iloilo’ program were encouraged to join in another clean-up under the program Iloilo called ‘Limpyo GCQ’. On June 5, DPWH VI Regional Office participated in the Limpyo GCQ Challenge. Eager employees went around the office and cleaned. They picked up trash and gathered dead leaves while wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Limpyo GCQ is the continuation of the Limpyo Iloilo clean-up initiative that deals with the health component of the program. It aims to promote cleanliness not just to reduce trash around the city, but also to curb the emergence of various diseases. To keep our environment clean and healthy, the Limpyo GCQ aims to promote the implementation of the 5S Strategy (Kontra COVID-19 kag Dengue): Search and Destroy, Seek Early Consultation, Self-Protection Measures, Say Yes to Fogging/Spraying, and Social Distancing with the tagline “Ang Bag-ong Normal: (3M) Mag-Maskara, Mag-distansya kag Manghinaw kita!”.
MELVIN S. SEDICOL Associate Editor Contributors:
Ma. Josenia C. Samson Anna Philippa G. Nava Justin Kevin A. Clemente Marie Cris D. Aragon Sanie C. Jimenez District Public Information Officers
Builders is the official newsletter of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Regional Office 6, with office address at Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City, published monthly by the Regional Public Affairs and Information Office (RPAIO).
(033) 329-90-74, local 570-74 (033) 329-90-76, local 570-76 (033) 329-90-00, local 570-00
tantiado.imee_grace@dpwh.gov.ph sedicol.melvin@dpwh.gov.ph josenia_samson@yahoo.com
www.dpwh.gov.ph
DPWH Region VI www.facebook.com/dpwhregion6 @dpwhregion6