Volume XII, Issue 5, July 2020
RPAIO Update
Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) Report
Stakeholder’s Satisfaction is one of the major thrusts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), hence, a quarterly survey is undertaken to know the feedbacks of the clients that could help the agency improve in terms of public service. For the 2nd quarter of Calendar Year 2020, DPWH Regional Office VI had a total of 193 respondents and obtained an overall satisfaction rating of 99.25%. The category with the highest satisfaction rating is PEOPLE with 99.83% followed by WORK PROCESS with 99.14% satisfaction rating, while
FACILITIES/AMENETIES obtained a rating of 98.79%. It is observed that some of the offices in both Regional and District Engineering Offices have
zero respondents due to restriction of visitors/clients in the office premises as part of COVID-19 preventive measures.
— dpwhr6/wvb/rpaio
PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP DAY •
• • • •
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BUILDERS
WORKING AMID PANDEMIC: DPWH-6 chief inspects flood control project in Negros Occidental By: Melvin S. Sedicol Karren Mae A. Diego
DPWH-6 Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado fast-tracking the implementation of 693-lineal meter flood control structure along Sipalay River in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
Delfinado said the project with the amount of P100 million funded under CY 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA), involves construction of additional 693lineal meter revetment with a combination of rubble concrete and reinforced concrete pavement wall with steel sheet pile foundation, including drainage and slope protection.
The flood control project along the whole stretch of Sipalay River Basin is a 3-phase project started in 2018; phase 1 amounting to P213.3 million and phase 2 in the amount of P100 million are already completed, while phase 3 is expected to be completed in March next year, with roughly 50 percent accomplishment to date. “This is one of the significant
projects implemented by DPWH in this part of the province, which aims to prevent possible destruction caused by massive flood especially when heavy rains occur,” Delfinado said. The project is in line with one of the Department’s organization strategic outcomes, that is to protect the lives and properties against natural disasters through building disaster-resilient infrastructures to the identified danger prone areas during occurrence of calamities and disasters. Meantime, District Engineer Haydee S. Alunan said the project will benefit approximately 5 barangays located near the river, with a total of roughly 4,000 households. She added that crop losses and property damages will be prevented and water overflow as well as soil erosion will be mitigated with the presence of this revetment structure. — dpwhr6/wvb/rpaio/negocc3rddeo
Completed portion of the flood control structure being undertaken by DPWH along Sipalay River. Photo courtesy of DPWH Negros Occidental 3rd DEO
Volume XII, Issue 5, July 2020
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2.14-kilometer by-pass road along Metro Iloilo Radial Road, connecting the towns of Sta. Barbara, New Lucena and Zarraga in central Iloilo. Photo courtesy of DPWH, Iloilo 4th DEO
Iloilo
By-pass road, flood control
projects in central Iloilo in full swing By: Melvin S. Sedicol Debbie L. Amper THE construction of 2.14-kilometer by-pass road along Metro Iloilo Radial Road (R-4) is in full swing, according to OIC-District Engineer Mario G. Soriano of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office. Soriano said the project, in the amount of P92.557 million is already around 80 percent accomplished and is expected to be completed in November this year, given favorable weather condition. The project involves widening
of road from two lanes to four lanes, including provision of slope protection structure, guardrails, and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings to safeguard the motorists. Said project is a new access road connecting the towns of Sta. Barbara, New Lucena and Zarraga, by-passing the Metro Iloilo Radial Road-4, which is one of the alternate routes from Iloilo City and southern Iloilo to the northern part of Iloilo and provinces of Aklan and Capiz, and vice versa. This by-pass road will help
660-lineal meter flood control structure being undertaken by DPWH along Sibalom River in Brgy. Lanag, Leon, Iloilo Photo courtesy of DPWH, Iloilo 4th DEO.
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decongest the Metro Iloilo-Radial Road and other major thoroughfares in the central part of Iloilo, providing motorists and commuters with a more conducive road access, shorter travel time by about 30 minutes, and reducing vehicle operation cost. The road will also help enhance the economic activity in the towns of New Lucena, Zarraga and Sta. Barbara, since transport of goods and services will be easier and faster. Likewise, DE Soriano said the ongoing construction of a flood control project along Sibalom River in Brgy. Lanag, Leon, Iloilo is expected to be completed in October this year. Said flood mitigation structure, in the amount of P55.493 million, involves construction of slope protection with the length of 660 lineal meters of reinforced concrete revetment wall on steel sheet pile foundation including drainage. The structure will help control the movement of water in the river, hence reducing the risk of damage the flood may cause and providing a safer environment to approximately 100 families residing near the river. This project will also provide the residents with the opportunity to improve their economic condition through agriculture and other means of livelihood.
— dpwhr6/wvb/iloilo4thdeo
BUILDERS
Improved road going to Mambucal Resort in Negros Occidental. Photo courtesy of DPWH, Negros Occidental 3rd DEO.
5.2-km tourism road in Negros Occidental improved By: Ricelle Y. Cubos
DEPARTMENT of Public Works and H i g h w ay s (DPWH), Negros Occidental 4th District Engineering Office completed the improvement along portion of Bago-Mambucal Road, leading to Mambucal Resort, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the province. District Engineer Genaro M. Panganiban said the project, in the amount of P46.239 million, involves asphalt overlay of the 5.2kilometer road along BagoMambucal Road in Bago City, Negros Occidental. Panganiban added the road improvement is one of the priority projects undertaken by the District, which aims to provide a faster, more comfortable and enjoyable travel to this province’s famous tourist destination. He added that this road improvement would encourage more tourists, both foreign and local, to visit the mountain resort, hence, would help boost the economy in the area. Panganiban also said that DPWH is continuously implementing significant infrastructures in support to tourism development in the province and the country in general.
Negros Occidental
By: Tarcila Elsie V. Olivar THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), 2nd Negros Occidental District Engineering Office completed the asphalt overlay along portion of Bacolod South Road in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. District Engineer Randolfo A. Melosantos said they have completed the implementation of preventive maintenance with the length of 2.752 kilometers in the amount of P58.52 million. The project provides motorists with safe and pleasant
travel, as well as minimizes the occurrence of accidents. The improved road will also benefit approximately 11,516 vehicles traversing the said road in a daily basis, considering that this is part of the strong Republic Nautical Highway. Bacolod South Road is one of the primary roads that connects the southern Negros to Bacolod City, hence its improvement would help in faster and more comfortable travel.
— dpwhr6/wvb/negocc2nddeo
Asphalt overlay along Bacolod South Road implemented by DPWH, Negros Occidental 2nd District Engineering Office.
— dpwhr6/wvb/negocc4thdeo
Volume XII, Issue 5, July 2020
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2.03-kilometer road along Iloilo-Capiz (New Route), Pototan, Iloilo section widened by DPWH form 2 lanes to 4 lanes, provides ease of travel from Iloilo City to provinces of Capiz and Aklan. Photo courtesy of DPWH, Iloilo 2nd DEO.
Panay and Guimaras
DPWH widens road to central Iloilo, Capiz and Aklan By: Melanie M. Palu-ay Rexman M. Naelgas
MOTORISTS and commuters passing through Iloilo-Capiz Road (New Route) can now have a safer and smoother travel with the completion of the P52.966 million worth of road widening project undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office. The road widening project covers about 2.0303-kilometer, 3.35-meter wide on both sides of highways and 30millimeter thickness of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), including the construction of turn-out (Loading and Unloading Bay), reinforced lined canal, curb and gutter, slope protection (grouted riprap), cross drainage, guardrails, pavement markings, warning signs, and regulatory signs. District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel said that the widened road will promote better mobility which will improve the daily activities in the town of Pototan and will provide safer and more convenient travel experience to approximately 1,250 locals and tourists traveling along the subject national highway. This project is part of the GAA FY 2019 DPWH Infrastructure Program eyed to offer a seamless transport system providing engineering solutions to road safety concerns. It will also open considerable opportunities to residents and the Iloilo Province as a whole.
— dpwhr6/wvb/iloilo2nddeo
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“Build, Build, Build” projects in Aklan partially resume By: Elo M. Tefora THE province of Aklan is currently placed under general community quarantine (GCQ), hence implementation of various infrastructure projects particularly under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the government have partially resumed. District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella said the District will resume the implementation of a total of 59 infrastructure projects to include roads and bridges, drainage systems, flood/water control projects, evacuation centers, and multipurpose buildings in various towns in the province. Fuentebella stressed that the resumption of the projects is in line with Department Order No. 39, series of 2020 issued by Secretary Mark A. Villar, otherwise known as the Revised Construction Safety Guidelines for the Implementation of Infrastructure Projects during the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, wherein public and private construction projects shall be allowed, subject to strict compliance with the construction safety guidelines. Personnel who will undertake construction activities shall undergo the 14day quarantine before deployment or shall undergo the COVID-19 test as prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA),” he added. He further emphasized that
only workers aging 21-59 years old without compromised immune systems, comorbidities or other health risks will be allowed to undertake construction activities. “We also required our contractors to provide disinfection facilities at their respective project sites for the safety of their worker,” he added. Moreover, Fuentebella said that safe quarters for board and lodging should be provided by the contractors to their workers, strictly following the physical distancing and proper hygiene. They (contractors) should also provide their in-house workers with food, potable water disinfectants and hand soaps. He added that contractors should ensure that their workers are housed in their respective quarters for the entire duration of the project, particularly to areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). In case there is a need for the worker to leave the quarter during the duration of the project, they will undergo the ‘prior to deployment’ procedure at every instance of their reentry. Work activities will also be strictly monitored by the Safety Officer to ensure worker’s compliance to safety protocols.
— dpwhr6/wvb/aklandeo
BUILDERS
Feature
Vegetable Gardening finds its roots at
DPWH Iloilo 1st DEO
Unhealthy diets were a leading cause of death and disease way long before this COVID-19 pandemic. While healthy diets are a driver of immunity and overall health, a focus on diets containing the nutrients we need to thrive, not just to survive, is crucial. AS the whole world is taking stronger measures to contain the spread of the virus, self-quarantine and the temporary closing of businesses may affect normal food-related practices. COVID-19 restrictions are posing serious logistical challenges for the movement of food – a particular concern for perishables. Limited access to fresh food may compromise opportunities to continue eating a healthy and varied diet. This can also potentially lead to an increased consumption of highly processed foods which tend to be high in fat, sugar and salt. Purchasing, storing and cooking fresh vegetables can be challenging in a lockdown. This COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on our health and it is not good. The DPWH Iloilo 1st District Engineering Office, however, found a perfect solution to all the concerns mentioned above and that is – vegetable gardening! World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming a minimum of 400g of fruits and vegetables per day. For optimal health, WHO also recommends that it is important to remain physically active. Vegetable gardening is perfect for a healthy mind, body and soul. Thus, with the initiative of District Engineer, Nonie A. Viyar, and Assistant District Engineer, Jose B.
Volume XII, Issue 5, July 2020
Gigantone, Jr., each of the sections planted vegetables at the backyard of our office and to name a few, there are, Lady’s Fingers (okra), tomatoes, cucumber, lemongrass (tanglad), Chinese cabbage (pechay), sili labuyo, radish, bitter gourd, camote tops, mung beans, arugula, spinach, Chinese kale, eggplant and many others. The employees are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. They can guarantee that the vegetables are easily available, fresh, healthy and safe from pesticides. Plant, harvest and cook on repeat! Vegetable gardening is indeed a great way to have fun, relieve stress, create healthy routines and strengthen the bond of one another. Most people, by now, understand how important our health is, with or without the pandemic. The Iloilo 1st DEO family leads a great example to everyone that no matter how busy our lifestyle is, there is always a time to spare for our health. They leave an impact by showing how the tiny seeds can bring comfort and provide solutions to our daily lives during the pandemic; that in our own little ways, we can make something extraordinary amidst the difficult times. — dpwhr6/wvb/iloilo1stdeo
Various species of vegetables are planted by employees of DPWH, Iloilo 1st DEO within the office premises.
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BUILDERS Vol. XII, Issue 5, July 2020
Iwas Stunting
LEA N. DELFINADO, CESO III
Iwas COVID-19:
OIC-Assistant Regional Director
&
Regional Director
JOSE AL V. FRUTO, CES E
EDITORIAL STAFF: IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO Editor-in-Chief MELVIN S. SEDICOL Associate Editor
celebrates Nutrition Month by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491 or the “Nutrition Act of the Philippines”. Nutrition Month is an annual campaign that aims to spread awareness on the importance of nutrition. “Batang Pinoy, SANA TALL… Iwas stunting, SAMA ALL!” is the chosen theme for this year’s campaign. The theme calls for Filipinos to be aware of the impact of stunting and what communities can do to prevent malnutrition. Stunting is prevalent in the Philippines with statistics showing that 36.6% of Filipino children 12-23 months old are stunted. The rising cases of stunting in the country can be attributed to the limited scope and scale of nutrition services and programs which the campaign aims to amend. Aside the prevailing issue of stunting, the country is currently grappling with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In line with the objectives of Nutrition Month and in light of the pandemic, a sub-theme “Iwas ALL din sa COVID-19” was chosen this year. The theme promotes the importance of good nutrition in order to boost our immune system and minimize the long-term effects of COVID-19. With the ongoing pandemic, scheduled activities for Nutrition Month were adjusted for social media in observance of health protocols and guidelines. Due to the pandemic, families have been stocking up on perishable and processed foods which are not healthy. As such, the National Nutrition Council recommends vegetables and fruits and other food with less sodium, fat, and sugar. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new normal, raising the need to habitually practice proper hygiene and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. During these troubling times, we are reminded to practice cleanliness and to always keep our body healthy.
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