VOLUME II NUMBER 1
JANUARY - JUNE 2021
The Official Publication of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers • Iloilo Chapter
PICE Iloilo Chapter holds first CPD Webinar To aid Ilonggo civil engineers, the chapter held a virtual seminar that provided CPD credits. Page 6
World Engineering Day commemmorated The chapter joined the world in celebrating engineering for sustainable development. Page 8
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: A Ticket towards Pandemic Recovery T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N S E C TO R H A S B E C O M E O N E OF THE MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVERS DURING THE PA N D E M I C . F I N D O U T H O W I N F R A S T R U C T U R E P R O J E C T S B R AV E C OV I D - 1 9. PAGE 11
The Official Publication of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Iloilo Chapter EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ray Adrian Macalalag EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Katherine Menicable
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PIARC-World Road Association Department of Public Works and Highways VI National Irrigation Administration Nonoy Taclino, Iloilo Today Blog El John Mejia, Aksyon Radyo Iloilo
EDITORIAL EMAIL ADDRESS
editor.iloilopice@gmail.com
THE ILONGGO CIVIL ENGINEER is the official publication of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Iloilo Chapter, Inc. Opinions and insights stated in this publication are solely by the authors, interviewees and sources and does not reflect those of the editors, the Publications Committee, the Iloilo Chapter or the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers,in general. Some rights reserved. Originally published articles and other works (images and illustrations) in this publication may not be copied and reproduced in all forms of media without prior written consent from the PICE Iloilo Chapter Publications Committee. However, content from specified third-party sources may be subject to the existing editorial policies governing them within their company, entity or office.
PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS • ILOILO CHAPTER, INC. PRESIDENT
Engr. Oscar “Richard” Garin, Jr. VP FOR ACADEME
Engr. Mary Earl Daryl Grio SECRETARY
Engr. Rona Mae Tanoy BUSINESS MANAGER
Engr. Neil Edwin Escalona BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Engr. Jose Al Fruto Engr. Rodney Gustilo Engr. Manuel Arguelles
VP FOR GOVERNMENT
Engr. Romeo Andig TREASURER
Engr. Doris Mae Peñaredondo PRO FOR ACADEME
Engr. Marilou Tallador IGSOCCME* PRESIDENT
Engr. Alger Lamprea EX-OFFICIO
Engr. Antonio Belarga
VP FOR PRIVATE SECTOR
Engr. Reynaldo Asuncion AUDITOR
Engr. Emmanuel Leo Lim PRO FOR GOVERNMENT
Engr. Jonah Paloma REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Engr. Lea Delfinado
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Engr. Antonio Belarga
* IGSOCCME - Iloilo-Guimaras Society of Component City/Municipal Engineers
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag PICE OVERSIGHT COORDINATORS
Engr. Marilou Tallador Engr. Jonah Paloma
OFFICE OPERATIONS OFFICE SECRETARY
Ms. Katherine Menicable INTERIM OFFICE ADDRESS
Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City Philippines 5000
CONTACT NUMBER
+63 927 4844 536 EMAIL ADDRESS
info@piceiloilo.org WEBSITE
www.piceiloilo.org
messages FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY WITH PICE ILOILO Oscar “Richard” S. Garin, Jr. PRESIDENT, PICE ILOILO CHAPTER
“ROAD AND RECOVERY. Two words powerful together. While at it, us members of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Iloilo Chapter at the very core. Because as I have since said - we are Civil Engineers. We create. We build.” For almost 2 years now with the world in a modern-day emergency health crisis, we have no doubt been challenged. Challenged as a nation, as a community, as governments and policy makers and as professionals. And it is that situation that admittedly, brought out the worst and best in humanity particularly in the earliest months of the crisis. It was a pandemic like no other that challenged and changed us all. Yet because we are what we are – a strong community of professionals, Civil Engineers at that, we faced up to that challenge and crisis. And so today we are ready to talk about the road to recovery. Our way out or at the very least, our path through the pandemic. A health crisis so massive and inclusive, it pushed all us to redirect our efforts and direction. For instance, our new normal now calls on us to be mindful and compliant to the basic health protocols in place. There is that mandates and call for infrastructure and design aligned with social distancing. In a sense, we are in an environment of barriers as we get through the pandemic one day at a time. Like the best of nations and strongest in governments nor the best in skilled
workers, nothing could have prepared us on the scope of the pandemic. Yet because we are stronger together like each and every member of our chapter, we are now able to present projects and plans. As the story tells in this issue, “Infrastructure Projects: A ticket towards Pandemic Recovery.” Recovery in its many faces and phases is one that I have been mindful as your PICE Iloilo President. And this because I have always adhered to the saying, “Every private individual has his
Ours are sufficient technical skills to build structures that should stand the forces of nature and the test of time. Today of all days, our projects and accomplishments are the silent monumental testaments to the desire to create something better, something stronger, something permanent. Let us continue to use every available tool to further our recovery and help save even more lives, economies and local governments in the months ahead. Let us continue to be the best engineer so we
Today of all days, our projects and accomplishments are the silent monumental testaments to the desire to create something better, something stronger, something permanent. own public responsibility.” And so for me, public service especially on a pandemic must remain uninterrupted. And for each one of us, officers and members alike, to recognize and commit how we all have individual and collective responsibilities to society. ROAD AND RECOVERY. Two words powerful together. While at it, us members of PICE Iloilo Chapter at the very core. Because as I have since said - we are Civil Engineers. We create. We build.”
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can be part of keeping schools open and safe, and protecting our economy from lockdowns and damage. Our new normal shall be guided and strengthened by old-kept values as I have also since affirmed our commitment for structural and professional integrity. That has not changed nor wavered as we go through the path of the pandemic. Affirmed as well is our commitment that our organization under my Presidency share the sentiments of Continue to Page 4
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messages THE ROAD TO RECOVERY WITH PICE ILOILO the public and the government. We act as one. We heal as one. And rightly so, we shall recover as one. To this day we are mindful of our mission: Uphold the fundamental principles of a Civil Engineer. To this day, our vision is clear: Hold on to the fundamental Canons as so stated in the PICE’s Code of Ethics. Civil engineers uphold and advance
From Page 3
the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil engineering profession by: • using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment; • being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers/employees and clients; • striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering
profession; and • supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines. To this day is the great honor of being a Civil Engineer that as forward the purpose of the organization and the profession, we create a remarkable impact on the quality of life of the people. Mabuhay ang PICE! Mabuhay ang PICE Iloilo Chapter!
EDITOR’S NOTE
EMPOWERING YOUNG ENGINEERS Ray Adrian Macalalag EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
IT’S GREAT to be back in writing and to be editor. It’s been a long time since I was managing a university-wide publication in my college days at the University of San Agustin. That’s more than five years. When I was invited by Engr. Oscar “Richard” Garin, Jr., our current PICE Iloilo Chapter President, I was honestly hesitant given my commitments at work and in the other organizations I’m in. On top of that, I did not have the confidence to embark on this role given that I’m just beginning my career as a civil engineer. However, I saw the silver lining in this noble role that I cannot simply give up. That is the opportunity to amplify the voice and the involvement of early career professionals with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers. I was merely a bystander or a spectator in national conventions though I did experience one time in 2018 where I got to be the moderator of the PICE National Midyear Technical Conference that was hosted in Iloilo City. I also served as a host in several programs of PICE Iloilo Chapter. But that was it. The opportunity
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on the table is going to change everything and I could really be more involved with PICE this time. My gratitude to Engr. Garin and of course to my long-time career mentor, Engr. Reynaldo Asuncion who currently sits as Vice President for the Private Sector in PICE Iloilo Chapter, who paved
ourselves and promise our predecessors that the organization and this noble profession will be in good hands. We will get our hands dirty to make sure that civil engineers are on top of things in making civilization inclusive and the world a better place. We will contribute as much as we can to achieve what the future expects
We will get our hands dirty to make sure that civil engineers are on top of things in making civilization inclusive and the world a better place. the way to my appointment as editor-inchief of The Ilonggo Civil Engineer and as communications officer of PICE Iloilo Chapter. My personal goal in this challenging role is to involve and empower fellow young engineers to sustain and develop the future of the civil engineering profession through the PICE. We will build up THE ILONGGO
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of us including the achievement of targets in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For now, enjoy reading the happenings during first half of 2021 relevant to us Ilonggo civil engineers. If you have ideas on how we can make this publication better, I keep our official email (editor.iloilopice@ gmail.com) open for your contributions.
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PICE Iloilo holds first CPD webinar THE Iloilo Chapter of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) held its first-ever virtual seminar this May 29, 2021 that provided eligible participants with continuing professional development (CPD) credits. This seminar featured software trends in civil engineering particularly discussions on current software applications essential in the structural engineering and construction specialization such as building information modeling (BIM), Tekla Structures, and Visual Basic Applications for Excel (Macro-Programming) in Construction Estimating. The PICE Iloilo Chapter invited industry-leading Filipino professionals here and abroad namely, former PICE Singapore Chapter President Romualdo Lex S. Garcia, Marvin Josol Gracia and Felemuel D. Bullos, Jr.
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R. Garcia is currently the BIM Manager of Asia Projects Engineering Pte Ltd, a 40year old company in Singapore catering international infrastructure developments including some of the largest energy suppliers in Singapore and Indonesia in its stable of clients. He was named as Most Outstanding Graduate from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City where he earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering back in 2005. He discussed the first session entitled, “BIM for Contractors: Value Added on Design and Engineering Projects”. Meanwhile, M. Garcia is currently a technical specialist of Trimble Solutions, the maker of the highly sought after software for structural engineers, Tekla. He was the resource speaker for the second session entitled, “Integrated Digital Delivery with Tekla Constructible BIM”.
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• • • • • • • • •
AD Pendon Construction Conte Builders & Construction Supply HF Enterprises ALJ Construction and Supply MJBL Construction and Supply F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. 5s Construction and Supply Unitec Builder, Inc. JEYDI-K
R. Garcia
M. Garcia
Bullos
The final session entitled, “Estimating Automation using Excel VBA Macro Programming” was delivered by F. Bullos, Director for Engineering and Technology in RV Architecture + Engineering + Technology. He is a veteran in the civil engineering industry particularly in the private and academic sectors. He topped the August 2010 Master Plumber board examination in the Philippines in 2010 and also placed 19th in the November 2001 Civil Engineering board examination. PICE Iloilo President Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr., welcomed the participants together with PICE National President Erdsan Rene Suero. This activity is organized by the PICE Iloilo Chapter with the generous support of Davies Paints and co-presented by Ace+ Review Center and Ilonggo Engineer Blog. (PICE Iloilo/RAM)
Pres. Garin: “Empowerment, technology can both work” AS a way of inspiring and challenging the next generation of civil engineers, PICE Iloilo Chapter President Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. emphasized that the their skill plus their age is an essential component to sustain the demands for the civil engineering profession. In his opening remarks during the first-ever webinar of PICE Iloilo Chapter on May 29, 2021, he shared that the pandemic itself has been an opportunity for every professional where they became more reachable through technology. “Empowerment and technology [can]
both work to the advancement of the profession,” he shared. The PICE Iloilo chief executive shared that the organization has been in the forefront in ensuring civil engineers especially those in their early careers are empowered despite the effects of the pandemic. Through the webinar which took about eight hours with three high-caliber speakers, he thought of technology’s evolution and the need of upgrading the skills of Ilonggo civil engineers. (PICE Iloilo/RAM)
PICE Iloilo Chapter President Garin
Ilonggo earns post in Int’l Road Federation AN ILONGGO civil engineer was appointed as one of the four members of the leadership team of the International Road Federation (IRF) Young Professionals (YP) Program. Engr. Ray Adrian C. Macalalag, currently a senior economic development specialist in the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VI, was selected by the IRF to be the YP Lead for East Asia and Pacific region. Holding the term for two years (2021-2022) he will be responsible for coordinating activities of the program and executing the strategies and plans of the IRF. He will be the main contact of his region assignment and will be the public face of the program. “I know this will not be easy but I know the future of making our roads safe for all road users starts here. I know there is more that we can do for transport and mobility sectors and low-middle income countries will be part of this journey,” said Macalalag. “As I take this new role entrusted to me by the International Road Federation
through its young professionals program, I commit myself to ensuring no low-middle income country will be left behind in the ideas and innovations our team will be coming up,” he added.
Macalalag
Macalalag is joined by three other members: Frederic John, mobility and smart city consultant from Belgium; Shashank Misra, sustainability professional from India; and Tendekayi Marapara, World Bank consultant from Zimbabwe.
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The IRF-YP is a platform of next generation of leaders and specialists in the road and mobility sector to propose initiatives, share ideas, and be engaged in the overall activities of the IRF. Building on its vast network and expertise, the program has as its mission to present the road and mobility sector as a multidisciplinary area for development for young professionals from various backgrounds. Director-General Susanna Zammataro of the IRF based in Geneva, Switzerland announced and welcomed the team on Twitter on January 13, 2021, and called for colleagues in the various sectors to support them. Macalalag worked for over five years in the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office VI before transferring to NEDA Region VI. He is a civil engineering graduate of the University of San Agustin and he also earned his master’s degree in engineering from the Western Institute of Technology. (Iloilo Today/Nonoy Taclino)
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news
Iloilo Chapter shows all-out support in World Engineering Day celebration
THE PICE Iloilo Chapter was one with the world in celebrating the World Engineering Day that was commemmorated on March 4, 2021. The chapter was among the 105 country-based PICE chapters which expressed their support of the international activity. Several local government units in Iloilo went to social media flashing their streamers to foster awareness of the civil engineering profession. The PICE was one of the active signatory-organizations in the world which endorsed this initiative. In their advisory to all chapters, they conveyed their full support to the significant celebration and enjoined its chapters to participate by conducting any activities on sustainable development
Estancia Municipal Engineering Office
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PICE Iloilo Chapter Officers
Barotac Viejo Municipal Engineering Office
Sara Municipal Engineering Office
including weeklong hanging of the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development – PICE streamer from March 1-7, 2021 in chapter offices and other locations in their respective areas. Then these are to be published through press releases, and posts on various social media platforms through a hashtag #WorldEngineeringDay2021. According to the official event website, the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development was proclaimed
by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 40th General Conference in 2019. It is celebrated worldwide on 4th March of each year since 2020 which offers an opportunity to highlight engineers and engineering’s achievements in our modern world and improve public understanding of how engineering and technology are central to modern life and for sustainable development. (PICE Iloilo/RAM)
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news Blood drive held amid pandemic challenges A DECISION to donate blood can save one’s life. That is exactly what 88 people decided to do in the blood donation drive organized by the PICE Iloilo Chapter on February 26, 2021 at Puregold in Oton, Iloilo. Chapter officers led by Engr. Oscar “Richard” Garin, Jr. together with Mayor Carina V. Flores of the Municipality of Oton held the hybrid blood drive takng into consideration the minimum public health standards. “Apart from the engineers’ role in the pandemic to build quarantine facilities like what DPWH is doing, we need not forget about other concerns such as ensuring that our community has a stable supply of blood. After all, the pandemic an additional challenge we are facing and we need to ensure continuity of health services and PICE believes we can contribute by holding this activity”, Engr. Marilou Tallador, PICE Iloilo Chapter PRO for Academe shared. The one-day activity was actively supported and coordinated with the PhPhilippine National Red Cross. (PICE Iloilo/KM)
PICE Iloilo Chapter Public Relations Officer (Academe) Marilou Tallador answers queries and talks about the Blood Drive on behalf of the organization with Bombo Radyo.
DPWH completes 5 COVID-19 quarantine facilities for Iloilo
DPWH Region VI and Iloilo Province officials including Regional Director Lea Delfinado (4th from right) and Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. (4th from left) lead the ribbon cutting actvity in the Makeshift Quarantine Facility at Iloilo Sports Complex. PICE Iloilo Chapter Vice Pres. for Government Engr. Romeo Andig (3rd from left) connected with the Iloilo Provincial Engineering Office is also present.
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently completed five (5) COVID-19 facilities in Iloilo City and in the towns of Lambunao and Pototan, providing the Iloilo provincial government additional assistance in its fight against the ongoing pandemic. DPWH Regional Office VI and current PICE Regional Coordinator, Director Lea Delfinado said that new structures are composed of three isolation/quarantine facilities located in the Provincial Sports Complex in Lapaz, Iloilo City; and two off-site dormitories situated in Dr. Ricardo V. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao, Iloilo and Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Iloilo. The container vans turned isolation/ quarantine facilities are composed of 16 air-conditioned rooms with their own comfort rooms and necessary amenities like nurse quarters and nurse station. Meanwhile, the off-site dormitories
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are composed of 16 air-conditioned rooms with individual comfort rooms, dining and living area, kitchen and laundry area, and other necessary features. DPWH officially turned over these facilities in a ceremony at the Iloilo Sports Complex compound in Barangay Magsaysay, Lapaz, Iloilo City attended by Director Delfinado and Iloilo City District Engineer Haydee Alunan handing symbolic keys to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Engr. Romeo Andig of the Provincial Engineering Office and the District and Provincial Hospital representatives of Lambunao and Pototan, Iloilo. The DPWH is committed to provide needed healthcare facilities to aid local governments all over the country in caring for COVID-19 patients, while also ensuring comfort and safety to our healthcare workers. (DPWH-VI)
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news LATEST GOVERNMENT ISSUANCES/REFERENCES SMALL-SCALE PROJECTS MAY PROCEED IN ECQ AND MECQ AREAS
By virtue of Department Order No. 33, Series of 2021, the DPWH clarified that small-scale projects such as those for housing and other public and private construciton projects in areas under ECQ and MECQ may proceed as long as construction safety guidelines prescribed under Department Order No. 30, Series of 2021 is observed.
PRIORITIZATION OF FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DETAILED ENGINEERING FOR IRRIGATION PROJECTS
The NIA Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 2021 provided updated guidelines for prioritization of FS and DE for irrigation projects. This included the first prioritization of project implementation support activities for projects with completed FS and/ or DE and lesser prioritization for identification of new projects. This was to ensure maximization of their funds.
Slope protection to ensure safe roads in Central Iloilo highlands TWO (2) ongoing slope protection structures slated for completion by 3rd and 4th quarter of 2021 are seen to guarantee safety of upland communities in central part of Iloilo. The DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) is undertaking the rehabilitation of slope protection structures along Junction Bancal-LeonAntique Road in Barangay Mali-ao, Leon; that would benefit towns of Leon and Alimodian. OIC-District Engineer Mario G. Soriano reported to Secretary Villar and Region 6 Director Lea Delfinado that works are in on-going for the P86.13million construction of 152-meter slope protection structures utilizing the high tensile wire mesh method and another P93.55-million construction of 95-meter slope protection including a drainage structure.
The 152-meter slope protection project has already attained 87 percent completion compared to target of 58 percent while the 95-meter slope protection project reached 68 percent surpassing the 49 percent target. The projects’ location on portions of the Junction Bancal-Leon-Antique Road, which are very susceptible to landslide and rock fall especially when heavy rains occur, thus the need to protect the lives and properties of people living in the area. With interventions to prevent closure of the national road, the structures will contribute in facilitating speedy transport of agricultural products from the of Leon and Alimodian to the market; allowing for better delivery of medical and other basic services to the people in the far-flung areas; and providing secured access to local tourist sites. (DPWH-VI)
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PLAN CHECKLIST FOR BUILDING PROJECTS
The DPWH issued Department Order No. 3, Series of 2021 prescribing a checklist to clearly define architectural and engineering plan components for the Conceptual Design Plan for building projects for the compliance of consultants as well as concerned offices under DPWH.
MORE FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS NEXT YEAR
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 138, Series of 2021 as a result of the MandanasGarcia Ruling of the Supreme Court which would increase the share of local government units in the internal revenue allotments. D P W H R E G I O N V I P H OTO
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A K S YO N R A DYO I LO I LO // E L J O H N M E J I A
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THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS HITTING THE ROAD, TOO S TA B L E R OA D I N F R A S T R U C T U R E D E V E LO P M E N T A R E C R U C I A L TO T H E R E C OV E R Y O F LO W- A N D M I D D L E INCOME COUNTRIES LIKE THE PHILIPPINES BY RAY ADRIAN MACALALAG
DURING the stringent lockdowns of last year, it probably made the job of the road (and generally the infrastructure) sector easier given the lower traffic volumes. Road condition inspections would be easier and hazards are kept at the minimum. Construction work can go in full swing for as long as occupational safety and pandemic-responsive measures are in place. It is no wonder that the country’s
Build Build Build program, as experts believe, could be the last hope in keeping the Philippine economy afloat. Mid-March of 2020, the World Road Association (PIARC) has established a COVID-19 Response Team considering the potentials of severe disruption in the road transport sector. This team was primarily aiming to rapidly share knowledge and practice between PIARC members in
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terms of pandemic impacts, associated economic and social crisis and the relevant responses. The team has summarized their discussions into one report which included key conclusions and recommendations as the pandemic continues into 2021. The main concern, according to the report, was that road transport systems are crucial considering the strong dependence of low- and middle-income
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P R O J E C T L U PA D P H OTO
countries (LMICs) like the Philippines which rely on roads for land transport. In the Philippine context, goods travel primarily on roads which are linked by our nautical highway systems. Most transit systems are also concentrated in Metro Manila while the rest of the country’s movement depend on roads. Common in the discussion of LMICs was that adopting measures employed by High-Income Countries may not be feasible. PIARC cites the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Policy Brief No. 86 that the “COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing global economic crisis are on the course to reverse years of gains in the reduction and alleviation of poverty, thus drastically undermining global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal deadline of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030”. The report further highlights that this may not be the case in all as some countries in Southeast Asia are relatively less affected by the pandemic except for Indonesia and the Philippines which have fairly higher fatalities than their peers. The association also underscores continuity of road works. For countries like
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Colombia, infrastructure was a “country priority”. Supply chains for the inputs and materials of infrastructure projects are also given priority to keep the projects running for completion. The South American country
Although the world has seen different effects on the infrastructure sector, it seems that the Philippines has laid in place its infrastructure boom at the right time, at least. of Paraguay also decided to continue all public works “as this constitutes the engine of the country’s economy… especially road works [that will] continue to produce and receive resources to continue serving
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to the rest of the economy”. Under this premise, the Build Build Build program of the government needs to take off and so far, it has accomplished a lot like the Skyway Stage 3 even in the time of the pandemic. Nevertheless, it is still important to also share resources particularly in health. Despite the will to push for construction and maintenance work of infrastructure, lower work rates due to supply problems, lack of mobility and restrictive health and safety measures were noted. This was apparent in some LMICs like Benin. In Senegal, they also cite similar reasons for the slowdown in infrastructure such as reduced working hours, slow supply of building materials and spare parts to construction sites, blocking of movement of expats and service providers from foreign countries, increasing transport prices, delay in repair and maintenance work on construction equipment and lack of control over manufacturing lead times and deliver of supply and equipment imported from Europe and China. These may also be true with how infrastructure projects go about in the Philippines. Challenges especially on the physical distancing was the common issue
features D P W H R E G I O N V I P H OTO
Personnel of DPWH working in the construction of Ungka Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo
Length of National Roads (per Province/HUC and Condition) in Region VI, 2020
DATA F R O M D P W H W E B S I T E
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as well as wearing of proper personal protective equipment responsive to curb the transmission of coronavirus. Luckily, the Department of Public Works and Highways was quickly responding to this by issuing Department Order No. 39 series of 2020 released in May in time when most of the country gradually relaxed its quarantine measures. The said order prescribed construction safety guidelines for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the public health crisis. The approved national budget has continued to show that the government relies mostly on infrastructure to keep the economy going having the second largest piece of the pie (15.4 percent or PhP695.7 Billion) behind education (16.7 percent or PhP751.7 Billion); the latter being highest as mandated by the Constitution. Although the world has seen different effects on the infrastructure sector, it seems that the Philippines has laid in place its infrastructure boom at the right time, at least. But the true indicator of the sector’s success lies on which direction the country would be going after the pandemic.
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FIVE WAYS TO CREATE A VIBRANT WORKPLACE AT HOME SPONSORED CONTENT BY DAVIES PAINTS
TURNING a corner of your house into a work office is a challenge for many who are switching to work-from-home for the first time. But it is not impossible. We are here to share five ways to create the best workspace for you.
IN THIS CORNER…
Find the right spot. When considering a possible workspace, you should look for a quiet space, far from any possible distractions from inside or outside your home. In small or open plan homes, this is not always a possibility. But don’t fret!
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You can always use color to distinguish your workspace from the rest of your home spaces. Bold colors can liven up your space without overwhelming the eye. An accent of Lovely Days (SR-418) can easily infuse warmth and positive vibes into the room, making it a high-energy creative space. Its glow can easily make your workspace the most welcoming corner of your home.
LIGHT IT UP!
Bring light to your workspace. A well-lit space can both spare you the
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eye strain and the risk of any possible accidents. A room with a lot of natural light can alleviate stress levels, help prevent eye strain, and improve your circadian rhythm (we can all agree that many of us need this right now!). If natural light is not an available option, choose a type of artificial light to match your work needs. Warm, yellow toned lights are cozier while cooler, blue toned lights provide better contrast for reading and working.
In creating your own corner of productivity within the home, keep in mind that the best workspace for you is not just about the right desk or lamp. To maximize the revitalizing effect, surround your workspace with soothing shades of green. Green is the least visually fatiguing color which makes hues like Lightning Green (MCS-3102) a calming balm for those working long hours. It can also help promote creativity and harmony while reducing anxiety and eye strain.
FITS JUST RIGHT.
Staying stationary for long periods of time can have negative effects on your health. Invest in well-balanced, ergonomic furniture that Goldilocks can be proud of–your body will thank you for it. When choosing furniture for your workspace, ensure that it fits your needs (and your form). Make sure that your desk and chair matches your height, and that it comes
with good back support to lessen any possible back strain from bending over for long periods. Contrast your furniture with grounding shades. Darker shades of blue can be calming to the mind and body, making it easier to focus on the task at hand. King Cerulean (SR-203) is a versatile and refreshing shade that creates a meditative atmosphere for maximum productivity for your long hours of work. Blues like these can give your space a moodier tone, giving it a certain elegance and warmth to complement lighter-toned furnishings.
CLEAN AND CLEAR.
Organize your space to organize your mindset. A cluttered desk–and generally, a cluttered home–can prevent you from
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concentrating on the task at hand. Creating and maintaining order in your surroundings can go a long way for your productivity. Try surrounding yourself with warmer hues that promote focus while boosting concentration and creativity. Playful colors like Mellow Melon (MCS-5105) and Carnival Pink (MCS-1102) can nurture a less formal, more fun and inspiring workspace.
OWN IT.
Inject your personality into your workspace. Even set apart from the rest of your home, you should feel welcome and comfortable in your own workspace. Do this by adding small personal touches to the surrounding surfaces: from art prints, to textiles, to potted plants. Maximize your workspace decor with a soft, neutral backdrop. The mild tone of Whitewash (SR-013) makes it versatile, creating a sense of a clean, spacious place while minimizing visual distraction. It can easily be turned into a warm background for unique designs, or for minimalist interiors–or even for your occasional video meetings. In creating your own corner of productivity within the home, keep in mind that the best workspace for you is not just about the right desk or lamp. Your home office should be a space that inspires the best work out of you.
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KEEPING THE PROFESSION AND ADVOCACIES ALIVE