The Official Magazine of the DPWH Regional Office VI
July - December 2019
GREATER CONNECTIVITY
DPWH builds new link between Iloilo, Capiz
Contents
▼ The Boracay Circumferential Road is one of the major priority projects in the Region and is part of the Administration’s Build, Build, Build Program. Learn more about DPWH VI’s high impact projects on page 7.
▼ Regional Evaucation Centers are among the DPWH’s important disaster risk reduction and management projects and so far, nine has risen in Western VIsayas. See page 6.
LEA N. DELFINADO, CESO III Regional Director
HIGHWAYS is the official magazine of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI stationed at Iloilo City, Philippines. It is published every semester by the DPWH Regional Office VI Public Information and Affairs Office. This publication, produced by this government agency, is under public domain unless otherwise stated. Any part of this magazine may be utilized or reproduced on the condition that proper citation and acknowledgment is made.
Maayon-Sara Road
6
Nine Reg’l Evacuation Centers Rise this 2019
7
Build, Build, Build in Region VI
8
More Fun in DPWH with Back-to-Back Activities
10
Offsetting Environmental Impacts
11
An Action to Address a National Epidemic
12
Rallying for a VAW-Free Community
13
Getting Ready for Natural Disasters
14
Bringing DPWH to the World
15
Events and Activities
▼ The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women was the highlight activity of the Gender and Development Focal System of the Regional Office, find out more on page 12.
DPWH REGIONAL OFFICE VI
Volume I • Number 1 July-December 2019
4
Published by: Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office VI - Western Visayas Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City 5000 Philippines
JOSE AL V. FRUTO, CES E OIC-Assistant Regional Director
EDITORIAL STAFF IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO Editor-in-Chief
MELVIN S. SEDICOL Associate Editor
(033) 329 9074 (Telefax) (033) 335 1226 / (033) 329 9076 tantiado.imee_grace@dpwh.gov.ph sedicol.melvin@dpwh.gov.ph josenia_samson@yahoo.com www.dpwh.gov.ph Like us on Facebook at DPWH Region VI
Contributors
Ma. Josenia C. Samson Anna Philippa G. Nava Justin Kevin A. Clemente Marie Cris D. Aragon Sanie C. Jimenez District Public Information Offices
RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG Consultant
DPWH 24/7 HOTLINE
(02) 165-02
THE COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC INTEREST AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ATTACHED TO THIS JOB HAS FUELED ME TO CONTINUOUSLY EMPHASIZE HONOR AND EXCELLENCE IN WHATEVER ENDEAVOR WE LONG TO ACHIEVE AS AN ORGANIZATION. MESSAGE FROM THE
Regional Director It has been seven months since I assumed the position of Regional Director in Region VI, Western Visayas. The past months have been jam-packed with project demands, meetings, and various events. Despite these competing concerns, the commitment to public interest and social responsibility attached to this job has fueled me to continuously emphasize honor and excellence in whatever endeavor we long to achieve as an organization. In this first magazine issue of the Highways on “Greater Connectivity”, we highlight the groundbreaking of Maayon-Sara Road, a new road project which connects the northern part of Iloilo to the province of Capiz. This carves another milestone toward the realization of our government’s Build, Build, Build Program as DPWH prioritize construction of road infrastructure to further accelerate the social and economic development of our country. This further affirms our commitment to be partners of the government in uplifting the lives of the people through efficient and reliable road transport network, thereby, giving them the decent and comfortable lives that they deserve. Let us continue to work together as we leave a mark in DPWH’s history through this Golden Age of Infrastructure.
LEA N. DELFINADO, CESO III
Regional Director
July-December 2019
3
Cover Story
MAAYON-SARA ROAD
A new route connecting Iloilo and Capiz kicks off By MELVIN S. SEDICOL
A new road which connects the northern part of Iloilo to the province of Capiz is currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region VI. Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado and Iloilo 5th Congressional District Representative Raul “Boboy” C. Tupas led the recent groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of the 15-kilometer Maayon (Capiz) - Sara (Iloilo) By-pass Road, in Brgy. Malapaya, Sara, Iloilo. The project involves concreting of two-lane road including construction of a 75-meter bridge with the total cost of P390 million. The project is another milestone toward the realization of the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration, giving priorities on the construction of road infrastructure to
further accelerate the social and economic development of the country. With the allocation of Php 240 million, the project is divided into two packages. Package 1 is funded under FY 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA) in the amount of P120 million involves construction and concreting of 4.80-kilometer, 2-lane, 6.7-meter wide Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road, including slope protection, cross drainage, and pavement markings and safety signs.; while package 2, also amounting to Php 120 million, involves construction and concreting of 4.43-kilometer road, with the same components as package 1. An additional amount of P150 million
THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONCRETING OF TWO-LANE ROAD INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OF A 75-METER BRIDGE WITH THE TOTAL COST OF 390 MILLION PESOS.
◀ DPWH-VI Regional Director Delfinado and Iloilo 5th Legislative Disrtrict Representative Tupas along with officials from DPWH and local government units lowers the ceremonial project capsule as the project commenced.
4
Volume I • Number 1
HAVING A ROAD PASSING THE BARANGAY WAS JUST THEIR DREAM IN THE PAST DECADES
is proposed to be included in our FY 2020 budget for the completion of the whole Sara (Iloilo) stretch of the project, which will include construction and concreting of 2 to 3 kilometers road, with components similar to packages 1 and 2, however, it will include construction of 2-lane, 75-meter PresStressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) bridge on bored pile foundation with slope protection and approaches. The road will also provide links to various primary, secondary and tertiary roads in the town of Sara and its neighboring towns, hence, providing more access to various areas in the northern part of Iloilo. Aside from providing fast and reliable transport system from the town of Sara in Iloilo to Maayon in Capiz, this concrete road will contribute to vibrant economic activity in Iloilo and Capiz.
The said road is beneficial to the residents of Brgy. Ardemil in Sara, having a road passing the barangay was just their dream in the past decades, but now, they will be having a better and safer road not only for transportation but also for the delivery of their products to the town proper. This road project is also beneficial to the neighboring communities in the town. Meantime, DPWH remains to be a strong partner in uplifting the lives of the people through efficient and reliable road transportation network. More road networks all over the region, which will be beneficial not only for the traveling public but also a big help in the transport of goods and services from one place to another, that will eventually lead to economic stability of Western Visayas. â–˛ Director Delfinado leads the groundbreaking of Maayon-Sara Road Project.
July-December 2019
5
Infra News
NINE REG’L EVACUATION CENTERS RISE THIS 2019
DPWH 6 builds RECs amid climate change and disaster risks
▲ REC in Brgy. Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
By MELVIN S. SEDICOL and ANNA PHILIPPA G. NAVA
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, with an average of 6-9 typhoons entering the country yearly. However, recently, the amount of climate change related disasters hitting the country have increased. According to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI), the Philippines topped the list of countries facing the highest risk of climate change hazards. Meanwhile, data from the Index for Risk Management cites that the Philippines ranked the highest in terms of risk of multiple climate change hazards such as floods, cyclones, and droughts. With the alarming number of risks the Philippines’ is susceptible to, it is important to implement disaster risk reduction programs and climate change adaptation initiatives. The more the country is not prepared, the more damages to the communities and to the livelihood of the people will be incurred. In 2019, DPWH Region VI completed a total of nine evacuation centers in the provinces of Antique, Akan, Iloilo and Negros Occidental, with the three latest completed centers located in Roxas City
▼ REC in Roxas City, Capiz
6
in Capiz, San Miguel in Iloilo and Nueva Valencia in Guimas. Two more are nearing completion, one in Bacolod City and another in Sagay City in Negros Occidental. The centers, each with P36-million budget allocation, have eight buildings, namely: Accommodation building, Office and infirmary building, Laundry/drying area, Male toilet and bath, Female toilet and bath, Pump room, Generator room, and Materials recovery facility. Also, part of the project is the provision of cistern tank and drainage system. These new centers are designed for the safety, comfort and ease of the evacuees, both physically-challenged or not. Also, this can be a multi-purpose venue for various activities like meetings, seminars and other socio-cultural activities. The construction of these evacuation centers is part of the department’s climate
change adaptation and disaster risk reduction program in order to develop livable, sustainable, resilient, and prepared communities. These centers aim to improve the resiliency and preparedness of communities heavily at risk of climate change related hazards. The areas where these regional evacuation centers are located, are usually the most heavily affected by typhoons. The residents used to having schools as temporary settlements that during the inauguration ceremonies, the residents expressed how deeply grateful they were for the change, saying that they were happy they would no longer need to use schools as makeshift evacuation centers. The centers look modernized and have complete facilities, making the centers the proper establishments to care for victims in case of disasters.
▼ REC in Brgy. Igtambo, San Miguel, Iloilo
Volume I • Number 1
Infra News
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD IN REGION VI
Enhanced roadways in Boracay; Greater logistics road network await Negros By MELVIN S. SEDICOL
▼ Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway
Two of the big ticket projects in Western Visayas listed under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte Administration are the Boracay Circumferential Road and Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH). These two multi-year projects are among the government’s priorities for the region cited by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA). Boracay Circumferential Road
Boracay Circumferential Roads was then a narrow, congested road, taking almost 1 hour 15 minutes to travel from Cagban Port in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc to IligIligan Beach in Brgy. Yapak, considering the traffic congestion and business establishments along the main roads. Hence, due to effect of environmental and other concerns, President Duterte ordered for the temporary closure of the island and created a task force for its rehabilitation, where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was one of the members of the said group. As its contribution, DPWH started widening Boracay Circumferential Road, which involved concreting of the existing 18-kilometer main road with paving blocks, street lights and provision of bike lanes. Demolition of illegal settlers and removal of utilities along its road-right-of-way was immediately undertaken to pave way for the road improvement. The project, with the total allocation of PhP 1.66 billion, is divided into three sections: Section 1 is from Cagban Port to Hue Hotel, Section 2 from Hue Hotel to Elizalde property, and Section 3 from Elizalde property to Tambisaan Port. The first 2 sections, with the total length of 4.122 kilometers, were completed in 2019 and are being utilized by approximately 5,000 motorists every day, while Section 3, with July-December 2019
the length of 1.9 kilometers, is estimated to be completed by 2022. With this road widening, travel time from Cagban Port in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc to Ilig-Iligan Beach in Brgy. Yapak will be reduced to about 40-45 minutes, saving at 30 minutes.
BANOCEH
The Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH) will serve as an alternate connection between the northern and southern towns of Negros Occidental. This road opening will also serve as alternate route from the northern and southern part of the province to BacolodSilay Airport Road. The project, in the amount of PhP 7.234 billion, involves construction of 46.62-kilometer, 4-lane road from Bacolod City to Victorias City, including improvement of some existing roads, and slope protection. This multi-year project started in April 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2026. When completed, travel time from Sum-ag, Bacolod City in southern Negros to Bacolod-Silay and from Victorias City in northern Negros going to Bacolod-Silay Airport, will be reduced to approximately 25 and 40 minutes, respectively, benefiting an average of 20,000 travelers per day.
▲ Boracay Circumferential Road
7
Feature
MORE FUN AT DPWH 6 WITH BACK TO BACK ACTIVITIES Employees enjoy Team Building and Christmas Party to cap 2019
By MELVIN S. SEDICOL and ANNA PHILIPPA G. NAVA
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” We’ve all heard of this famous proverb and unfortunately, some of us have probably lived it. Work can be tough and too much of it can be disastrous to our mental, emotional, and physical health; that is why taking breaks are always important, even if it’s in the context of work. In the latter half of 2019, the DPWH Regional Office VI held their Team Building Activity and Christmas party. The two activities were held in order to allow the employees to take a break from their work and enjoy themselves along with their fellow colleagues.
Team Building Activity
On November 11, 2019, the DPWH Regional Office VI conducted their team building at Goducate Training Center, Brgy. Santo Anghel, San Miguel, Iloilo. The activity lasted the whole day, with team building activities in the morning and a special program in the evening. Employees were split into eight teams. The eight teams, named after colors, engaged in team building games that tested their abilities and their teamwork. There were five games in total, each of which required different strategies to win. Afterward, the team and their assigned GOTEAMS adviser discussed
8
their performance and reflected A team concentrates in performing their on their teamwork and their assigned task in the team building activity. concept of leadership. The teams prepared their own cheers as well and presented them to show their team spirit. Overall, the White Team garnered the most points and emerged victorious, winning first place in the team building activities. Meanwhile, the Orange Team’s cheer was selected as the best cheer. In the evening, the special program entitled “Idol Ko, Gagayahin Ko” was held. The program was patterned after the show “Your Face Sounds Familiar” which The OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR wins in the required the participants to do impressions “Idol Ko, Gagayahin Ko” in their SexBomb Girls show. of iconic artists, be it by going solo or by going as a group. Each division showcased their talents and skills by impersonating the artist THE TWO ACTIVITIES assigned to their division. The acts that made it into the top 3 WERE HELD IN ORDER TO were the Wonder Girls (Finance Division), ALLOW THE EMPLOYEES Heart (Construction Division), and the TO TAKE A BREAK FROM SexBomb Girls (Office of the Regional Director). THEIR WORK AND ENJOY In the end, the SexBomb Girls from THEMSELVES ALONG the Office of the Regional Director blew the audience away and won first place in the WITH THEIR FELLOW competition. Exciting and lively, it was a COLLEAGUES. night to remember.
Volume I • Number 1
◀ Director Delfinado shares to the employees of DPWH Regional Office VI her christmas message.
MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The tandem of the OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND LEGAL DIVISION gets second place.
The CONSTRUCTION DIVISION replicates the nativity scene in their piece which earned them the top spot.
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT DIVISION
The PLANNING AND DESIGN DIVISION secures third place performing French Christmas carol, “Pat-a-Pan”.
HUMAN RESOURCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION and FINANCE DIVISION
Christmas Party
The DPWH Regional Office VI celebrated the holidays by holding a Christmas Party on December 20, 2019. It was a celebration grounded on the idea of family and the value of solidarity, imbued with the cheerful spirit of Christmas. The one-day celebration kicked-off with a Mass, followed by a party in each division. The caroling contest “The Voices of Christmas: A Chorale Competition” was the highlight of the event. Each division showcased their talents in singing and
July-December 2019
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND HYDROLOGY DIVISION
dancing through various arrangements of popular Christmas hymns and songs. Another highlight of the program is the giving of Service Awards to the 2019 retirees. The retirees were presented with Service Awards in order to honor and acknowledge the years of service they have rendered for the department. As much as Christmas is a time for cheer, it is also a time for giving. Hence, the Office shared their blessings to the children of the neighboring barangay by serving the kids food and giving them gifts. Likewise,
▲ RD Delfinado, ARD Fruto, and Rank and File Employees Association President Alma Imelda G. Malagad awards a plaque of recognition to retiree, Vivian C. Tan, former Regional Public Affairs and Information Officer.
the employees of the office were given gifts by the management, and door prizes were at stake to those who were lucky. It is essential to give time for activities such as this Team Building and this Christmas Party so that the employees can have fun while building strong bonds with their fellow colleagues. Events like these don’t happen often so it is important that we participate whole-heartedly for the betterment of our days in the office and for the betterment of our health and wellbeing.
9
Environment
OFFSETTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DPWH 6 joins tree planting, coastal clean up By ANNA PHILIPPA G. NAVA
Climate change is perhaps the deadliest and the most relevant environmental problem that humanity is currently facing. We experience climate change every day in the most palpable and salient of ways. I’m writing this article in the middle of November, the time when the weather is usually cool, and yet it is overwhelmingly hot outside. The undeniable fact is: days are getting hotter while typhoons are getting stronger and more erratic. When faced with the problem of climate change, we tend to feel small and in our fear, anxiously ask ourselves what we can do to save our planet. However, the problem is not just about what we do but also how we go about it.
International Coastal Clean-up
Last September 20, 2019 DPWH Region VI joined in the annual International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICCD) held along the coast of Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City. Dedicated employees from each and every division participated in the activity, eager to help the environment in any way they can. Through the clean-up, the ICCD aims to instill in the people an environmental awareness—which is currently becoming more necessary especially in the midst of our planet’s worsening climate crisis. The ICCD seeks to promote the health of our oceans by educating the people of the behaviors that cause pollution. With the Philippines being an archipelago, it is important that the surrounding waters are clean and healthy. As Iloilo becomes more urbanized, it’s easy to get caught up in the new developments around the city. The quick pace in urbanization tends to make people forget about the environment. This makes holding activities like tree planting and clean-ups all the more important. Great leaps are bound to inspire change and the Department of Public Works and Highways Region VI aims to do just that. By participating in tree planting and cleanup activities, DPWH is taking giant leaps to help the environment in every way that they can.
Tree Planting and Clean-up Drive
On July 13, 2019, 80 employees and officials from the DPWH Regional Office VI, along with other participating agencies, joined in the tree planting and clean-up activity led by Mayor Jerry Treñas in Jaro, Iloilo City. At least 3,000 saplings of Neem, Fire, and Caballero trees were planted during the activity, marking the event a success. Tree planting is always cited as one of the simplest ways people can mitigate the effects of climate change and to an extent, it is. As we all know, trees produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, hence, it is important to conduct such rehabilitation efforts. Along with the tree planting activity, a clean-up was also conducted in order to promote proper waste management.
10
Volume I • Number 1
Health
AN ACTION TO ADDRESS A NATIONAL EPIDEMIC
Blood Donation Drive conducted in response to Dengue outbreak By ANNA PHILIPPA G. NAVA
lasted the entire day, starting from 9AM and continued until the afternoon. Before they donated their blood, the employees had to undergo the necessary procedures to verify whether they are eligible blood donors or not. Once they were deemed eligible, they were instructed to lie down to start the process. Blood donation drives are important especially to aid those who are ill and are in need of blood transfusions. Drives are conducted in order to increase blood reserves and ensure that blood is available and accessible for those who need it at all times. Donating blood can be a scary experience if you’re afraid of needles and can be daunting if you’ve heard of stories where the donors faint, but if you’re willing and generous to make a donation that could save a life, then it’s surely going to be a life-changing experience.
Last year, the Philippines saw its worst dengue outbreak since 2012. There were around 271,400 recorded cases in 2019 from January to August alone, prompting the Department of Health and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to proclaim a national dengue epidemic. This is in comparison to the 187,031 cases recorded back in 2012. In response to the alarming number of cases and to the Declaration of the National Dengue Epidemic, the DOH conducted a “Nationwide Defeat Dengue Blood Drive in Support to Dengue Patients” blood drive, a drive for voluntary blood donation to augment the needed blood and blood products. It’s an effort by the department to curb the amount of cases and to provide sufficient and timely access to blood and its by-products to patients who need immediate transfusion. In support and to ensure the success of the DOH nationwide drive, the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office VI conducted the DPWH Regional Office Blood Donation Drive on October 25, 2019. By the request of the DOH for the participation of the DPWH, interested employees from the Regional Office and from the District Engineering Offices (DEOs) were directed to donate blood for the drive, which
July-December 2019
11
Gender and Development
RALLYING FOR A VAW-FREE COMMUNITY
DPWH 6 joins the nation in the 18-day campaign to end violence against women By MA. JOSENIA C. SAMSON
Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. We need urgent action to prevent abuse, and support women and girls who have experienced violence and harassment. This violence has tremendous costs to communities, nations and societies- for public well-being, health and safety and productivity. The effects of violence can remain with women and children for a lifetime can pass from one generation to another. Studies show that children who have witnessed or been subjected to violence are more likely to become victims or abusers themselves. As humble contribution, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 launched the 18Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on November 25, 2019. Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado, OICAssistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto and the Division Chiefs led the campaign with the theme “VAW free community starts with me”. The official VAW flash dance to the song “Isang Bilyong Babae” was commenced as
a symbolic support to heighten awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is of national concern. The annual 18-Day Campaign elevates the public awareness to positive advocacy and enjoins everyone to pursue the common vision of a community free from violence against women, and highlights what can be done to achieve such. This event was simultaneously launched in the Regional Office and District Engineering Offices (DEOs). Throughout the duration of the said campaign, various activities were held such as Poster Making Contest, Training on Self-Defense, Film
showing for ”The Owl Butterly” and “In Times of the Butterfly”, foot parade and Tiangge-Tiangge. The Philippine government has participated in this worldwide campaign to eliminate VAW since 2002. Recognizing that human trafficking is a form of VAW, Presidential Proclamation 1172 series of 2006 extended the national campaign to 18 days, to include December 12, a Historic Date that marked the start of opening for signature in year 2000 of the United Nations (UN) Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish human trafficking, especially with women and children.
▲ The booth of the Planning and Design Division that won the Tiangge-Tiangge contest.
▲ Employees mannning the film showing of Owl Butterfly in SM City Iloilo with Engr. Marichu Baldonado, Regional GAD Focal (5th from right).
12
Volume I • Number 1
Disaster Management
GETTING READY FOR NATURAL DISASTERS
Drill, seminar staged for disaster preparedness By ANNA PHILIPPA G. NAVA
It was a dark time for Mindanao during the month of October 2019 as a series of earthquakes followed by hundreds of aftershocks rocked various parts of the region. The first recorded earthquake of the month happened on October 16 with a magnitude of 6.3, destroying homes and claiming lives. Starting from then, earthquakes continued to devastate different parts of Mindanao.
â–ź Quarterly earthquake drills are conducted by the Regional Office to promote disasrter awareness and preparedness.
July-December 2019
It was wake-up call. The region was overwhelmed and the entire country was left in a state of alarm. Earthquakes and disasters could happen anytime and anywhere—that is why it is crucial to be informed of disaster preparedness measures. Additionally, it is important to be prepared and to make sure that these preparations are not only individualized but also institutionalized in order to ensure efficiency and extensiveness. As a step towards disaster preparedness and resiliency, the DPWH Regional Office VI held two seminars regarding disaster management and disaster preparedness and continued to observe nationwide earthquake drills. Of course, it is essential to know and learn about disaster preparedness measures and management systems; however, it should also be reinforced with a more practical approach. On November 14, 2019, the Regional Office VI, along with the DEOs, participated in the nationwide 4th Quarter Earthquake Drill. The drill challenged the employees and tested how they reacted and responded to an earthquake emergency situation. More active approaches like drills will help people understand what to do during actual emergencies.
â–˛ Seminars on disaster management were conducted to the officials and employees of Regional and District Engineering Offices.
Likewise, series of seminars were conducted by the Regional Office, attended by officials and employees from both the Regional Office and District Engineering Offices. The seminar was on disaster preparedness, continuity overview, and contingency planning. It initially came as a response towards the first earthquake in Mindanao and was further conducted in preparation for the movement of the West Valley Fault and other active faults. During the seminar, the engineers were trained on how to properly conduct evaluations and vulnerability and risk assessments like the seismic performance of infrastructures. In addition to that, they were taught the concepts, principles, and requirements of the Public Service Continuity Plan, as well as how to devise the Contingency Plan in times of natural disasters. It is crucial that we are knowledgeable about natural and man-made disasters as well as informed about how to prevent and handle them. Disasters can strike anywhere at any given moment and as such, it is important that we remain vigilant. By educating ourselves, be it by studying or by participating in disaster preparedness-related seminars in our office, we are keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from danger.
13
Success Story
BRINGING DPWH TO THE WORLD
PDD young engineer shares spotlight in 26th World Road Congress in Abu Dhabi By IMEE GRACE B. TANTIADO
It was in 2015 when he applied for a job in the Regional Office. Applying left and right, he never expected to end up working here. In fact, he was already being considered by two big companies. However, getting a chance to also write on top of his profession, he chose to work in the Department with his first boss and mentor, Engr. Jose Al Fruto, then Chief of the Planning and Design Division, now OIC-Assistant Regional Director. Glancing over his resume when he first applied, Engr. Ray Adrian C. Macalalag’s feats in campus journalism on top of his achievements in his engineering degree wherein he graduated with academic distinction are quite impressive. He was young and vibrant, and the moment you hear him speak, you will be convinced that he is a vital asset of the DPWH. So it was not surprising when he earned his way becoming the only Filipino engineer who qualified as poster presenter in the 26th World Road Congress held on October 6-10, 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He presented his paper entitled, “The Engineering Aspects of Policy and Governance in Road Safety in Western VIsayas, The Philippines” during
14
the poster sessions of the conference attended by nearly 5,000 delegates from 120 countries all over the world. A poster of Engr. Macalalag’s paper was also featured at the exhibition hall of ADNEC. His paper focused on the analysis of road crashes in relation to the national road density of each city or municipality. The result was a score rating from 1 to 10, with the latter being the most vulnerable or high risk. Engr. Macalalag’s study highlighted the need for urban planning and legislation to institutionalize its role in safer roads in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Global Road Safety 2011-2020. Engr. Macalalag has been specializing with highway safety for over three years and has been a partner of various government agencies and local government units in programs for road safety. Among his major inputs is working with the Road Safety Prototype Ordinance with the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units as well as the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2017-2022 with experts from the DOH,
Department of Transportation, Ateneo de Manila University School of Governance, World Health Organization, and Bloomberg Inititative for Global Road Safety. Earlier this December, he also went to the University of the Philippines Diliman to share his learnings in a roundtable discussion on pedestrian and commuter safety hosted by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies. Ray, as everyone calls him, is currently stationed at the Planning Section, Planning and Design Division, and sits as Regional Focal for Feasibility Studies and Regional Coordinator for Road and Bridge Information Application. The DPWH is truly proud with his achievement, especially DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar. In a post on his official Facebook page, Sec. Villar lauded the young engineer: “Congratulations, Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag of DPWH Region VI for being one of the presenters for the 26th World Road Congress in Abu Dhabi. Saludo kami sa’yo!”
Volume I • Number 1
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
▼ Christian Joseph L. Quimba , Accountant IV of the FInance Division and Atty. Mae Angelie L. Etang, Attorney IV of the Legal Division take oath.
► Engr. Van G. Gardose takes oath becoming Chief (Engineer V) of the Equipment Management Division. ▼ Particpants during the Seminar-Workshop on Effective Oral and Written Communication
▲ Leadership Challenge attendees
◀ New equipment (dump trucks) were turned over to various District Engineering Offices by RD Lea N. Delfinado.
▼ Snapshots of monthly coordination meetings held in the Regional Office
▲ Through the RPAIO, the DPWH Regional Office VI was bestowed the Citizen’s Feedback Management Excellence Award by the Stakeholders Relations Servcie, DPWH Central Office. Region VI was also recognized for having the most number of stories featured in national media and number of monthly news clippings report.
July-December 2019
15
The Official Magazine of the DPWH Regional Office VI
All rights reserved.
www.dpwh.gov.ph
DPWH Region VI
(033) 329 9074 / (033) 329 9076
