113 still ongoing, 158 to be started : DPWH 11 completes 388 projects

By Anthony S. Allada
A TOTAL OF 388 major infrastructure projects composed of national and secondary roads, bridges and tourism road networks were completed in 2012.
DPWH 11 director Mariano Alquiza said that the agency was actually undertaking 679 projects with the funding of P5 billion where 388 were completed, 113 still ongoing and 158 yet to be started.
“We are pleased to tell the people of Region 11 that the DPWH has been meeting its targets in terms of its infrastructure development program for the Davao region,” Alquiza said.
He said even with super typhoon Pablo affecting major infrastructures like bridges and national roads, the agency still continued with its programmed construction activities along with repair and rehabilitation for the infrastructures damaged by the calamity.
The collapse of Manurigao Bridge (Teodoro Palma Gil Bridge) in Caraga town in Davao Oriental was seen to have incurred the biggest infrastructure damage and its replacement could take a year before it would connect the isolated towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston.
Alquiza said that DPWH 11 has been consistent to be the top performing region in terms of project completion that is a very good sign in its efforts to its application for International Standard Organization (ISO) accreditation.
He said if they could pass in all requirements, they could get the ISO accreditation middle of this year along with DPWH National Capital Region.