PGMA cites DPWH for job well done in Surigao

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the local executives for the immediate restoration of major national highways in the Caraga region that were heavily affected by the recent massive flooding in the areas.

“Very good. Nice to hear that,” the President said after being informed about the quick clearing, backfiling and declogging operations on the 362.98- kilometer highway that were impassable last week as a result of floods and landslides brought by prolonged heavy rainfall in the region.

“All the roads and bridges are now passable,” RDCC-13 chairman Police Supt. Jaime Eloreta Milla said as he briefed the President on the flood situation during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) at the Surigao City airport here.

“Since we don’t have any problems on the major roads, I am asking you to re-assess the extent of damage on the secondary roads,” the Chief Executive said.

Continuous heavy rains due to the tail-end of a cold front resulted to the damage in the region’s infrastructures estimated at P460, 853,200.

RDCC-Caraga region report showed that Agusan del Sur was worst hit, with damage amounting to P42,767,200. This was followed by Agusan del Norte, P39,310,000; Dinagat Province, P14,596,600; Surigao del Norte, P13,905,690; Surigao del Sur, P2,960,000.

Report from Department of Public Works and Highways, on the other, showed that the amount of damage to region’s roads and bridges is estimated at P348,123,710.

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