Per PGMA instruction, DPWH fast-tracks infra projects in Eastern Visayas

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 18, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The Department of Public Works and Highways is now fast-tracking the implementation of the big infrastructure projects in Eastern Visayas, per instruction from no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

One of the vital road network in Eastern Visayas because it serves as access road to agricultural areas as well as tourist destinations, is the Gatanguit-Calbiga Road Project which was reported in June, 2008 to be 39.44% complete.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., recently, Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut disclosed that the road project is now 45.6% complete, ahead of scheduled accomplishment rating by 11.18%.

USec. Yabut who inspected the Project in July together with ASec. Jaime Pacanan and the DPWH Region 8 personnel, said that despite the frequent rains in the area, the accomplishment is beyond target because the contractor implemented measures such as overtime works especially in the production of sub-base and base course materials when the weather is good.

The Gatanguit-Calbiga Road Section which is under Phase !V of the Arterial Road Link Development Project, calls for the improvement and upgrading of about 59.53 kilometers of existing road. The Project commenced on January 16, 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2009.

On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported that the Calbayog-Gatanguit Road Section which is included in Package III of the Arterial Road Links Development Project under the DPWH-Philippine Japan Highway Loan Project Management Office, is already 47.24% complete as of June 2008.

The Calbayog-Gatanguit Road Section under Package III of the Arterial Road Link Development Project, entails the improvement and upgrading of about 52.7 kilometers of existing road. The project started in November of 2006 and is scheduled to be completed by August of 2009.

Meanwhile, the Agas-Agas Viaduct Project was reported to be 52.93% complete as of June 2008. The Agas-Agas Viaduct extends 350 meters, its structure a mixture of steel and concrete, supported by two piers from the ground, and has a height of approximately 1000 feet from the ground.