 |
| DPWH Region 8 completes over 890 infrastructure projects worth Php 32.8 billion in Eastern Visayas, including road, bridge, and flood-control projects. Photo: DPWH-8 |
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 has completed over 890 infrastructure projects worth Php 32.8 billion that are now contributing to the development of the Eastern Visayas region. According to Edgar B. Tabacon, DPWH EV Director, the regional office and its 14 district engineering offices could implement the said projects under last year's allotment.
Of the completed projects, 245 were road projects amounting to Php 14.376 billion, which include construction, maintenance, improvement, and widening of national roads in the region's six provinces.
Meanwhile, 71 bridge projects worth Php 1.961 billion and 192 flood-control projects worth Php 5.861 billion, which include flood mitigation structures, drainage systems, and structures along major river basins and principal rivers, were also completed.
Moreover, the DPWH 8 completed various convergence projects with national government agencies. These include one access road leading to the airport costing Php 25 million, three projects under the Road Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade program costing Php 277 million, 16 projects under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program costing Php 720 million, 10 projects under the Special Road Fund - Motor Vehicle Users Charge program costing Php 473 million, 38 water supply systems costing Php 303 million, 85 projects under the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps program costing Php 5.2 billion, three projects in support of National Security costing Php 55.9 million, and one accessibility project for Physically Challenged Persons costing Php 5.4 million.
Despite the challenges brought about by typhoons last year, Tabacon expressed pride that DPWH 8 could complete and implement numerous projects in Eastern Visayas. He also noted that besides accomplishing its main mandate and implementing convergence projects, DPWH 8 completed 15 projects funded under its Local Program 2022, also known as the National Building Program, amounting to Php 340 million.
For FY 2023, a total of Php 51.220 billion has been allocated to implement 1,398 infrastructure projects in Eastern Visayas that are expected to facilitate sustainable regional socio-economic development. Apart from constructing infra projects, DPWH 8 is tasked to maintain over 904 bridges in Eastern Visayas along with the 2,560 kilometers of national roads.
DPWH 8 aims to accomplish more high-impact projects in the region this year and focus more on inclusive growth that can be delivered through quality infrastructure, Tabacon highlighted.