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Official Publication of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol Regional Office, in cooperation with the RIAC-REDIRAS - RDC Bicol



Tuesday, March 4, 2014

DSWD cites DPWH Bicol for disaster response, rehab efforts to typhoon hit Visayas

LEGAZPI CITY, March 4 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has cited the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol for the aid provided in the clearing and cleaning operations and rehabilitation efforts of typhoon ravaged areas in the Visayas region.

DSWD has commended the invaluable contribution of DPWH to the best interest of the service during the disaster response and rehabilitation operations in Samar and Leyte areas, also to include the unrelenting support of the agency to DSWD’s social protection programs.

The award was conferred to the agency during the highlights of the 63rd DSWD Anniversary celebration held at La Roca Veranda Suites and Restaurant here on February 25, 2014.

DPWH Bicol was represented by Engr. Elmer R. Redrico, team leader of the Operation Tulong to Region 8.

It can be recalled that on November 9, 2013, barely 24 hours after Super Typhoon “Yolanda” with international name “Haiyan” hit Samar and Leyte provinces, DPWH Bicol regional director Danilo E.Dequito immediately ordered the deployment of maintenance equipment and labor force from the regional and district engineering offices to the typhoon stricken areas.

He also issued instruction for the preparation of at least 1,000 food packs containing rice, canned goods, coffee, sugar, noodles and bottled water.

The first batch with road maintenance equipment left Matnog Port in Sorsogon for Allen Port in Samar in the morning of Sunday, November 10.  Upon reaching port destination, they regrouped  to three teams:  one for Wright-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan Road Section; another team bound for DM Jct. San Juanico-Basey-Marabot-Lawaan-Balangiga-Giporlos-Quinapondan Road Section in Samar; and then a team for Tacloban City in Leyte.

The teams had undertaken road clearing, restoration and made the roads passable while on their way to their respective areas of responsibility.

On same day, another group led by RD Dequito followed bringing with them packs of relief goods that poured in. While some benevolent contractors of the region also extended assistance by lending delivery van and donation of boxes of bottled water and food packs.  Used clothes and other commodities that could be useful to the typhoon stricken region followed through the efforts of DPWH family.

Ensuing days have been devoted to helping Region 8 back on its feet.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson issued instruction to its central and field offices nationwide to organize their respective Operation Tulong Teams for “Yolanda” victims.

Two months after the typhoon, DPWH Bicol reported the completion of the repair of 68 damaged school buildings in Tacloban City:  San Jose Central School; San Jose National High School; and V & G de la Cruz Memorial School.

Out of the 14 units construction of temporary shelters, eight units were completed and the rest were 90 percent accomplished.

Also, on February 21, 2014, Dequito handed the total amount of P500,000.00 to Director Angela B. Abiqui of the Human Resource and Administrative Service (HRAS), DPWH-Central Office as financial aid to the typhoon victims.

P300,000.00 was from DPWH 5 employees and contractors; and, P200,000.00 was from the Road Engineering Association of the Philippines (REAP) Bicol Chapter, currently headed by Honorable Noel E. Rosal, Mayor of Legazpi City.

Initially, P280,000.00 in cash was donated by DPWH Bicol sometime in December last year.  (MAL-LVC-DPWH5/PIA5/Albay)

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