CALAMBA: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Calabarzon announced that all 36 roads in this region that were rendered impassable by Typhoon ‘Aghon’ have been cleared of debris and are already open to motorists.
During the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” media forum on Tuesday, DPWH Regional Director Jovel Mendoza said his office had to contend with a combination of fallen trees, damaged bridges and flooded areas to make the affected roads serviceable to traffic again.
However, he disclosed that early estimates placed the amount of damage the storm caused to road infrastructure at almost PHP500 million.
“After completing all damage assessments, the regional office will request funds from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the national government for immediate repairs,” Mendoza told reporters during the forum held at the DPWH regional office in this city.
He said the majority of the damaged roads are located in Quezon province and parts of Batangas province.
Mendoza said that right before the
storm hit, DPWH Disaster and Incident Management Teams (DIMTs) from concerned regional and district engineering offices were activated.
These teams were prepositioned in potential trouble spots, allowing them to promptly install warning signs, initiate debris clearing operations, and provide alternate routes.
Equipment and manpower were also deployed for these efforts, he added.
Mendoza assured that repair work on damaged infrastructure would commence as soon as funds are available, with completion expected before the year’s end, taking into account the approaching rainy season.
Source: Philippines News Agency
