Task Force to rush repair of damaged infra in N. Luzon

10/31/2009

Malacanang has set in motion the creation of Task Force on Northern Luzon, an ad hoc body under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which would be responsible for the immediate repair and rehabilitation of typhoon-damaged roads, bridges, flood control structures and schoolbuildings in the northern part of Luzon.

DPWH Secretary Victor Domingo bared the formation of the task force as he was conducting ocular inspections in the provinces of Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte and the city of Baguio to assess the damage caused by landslides and floods brought about by typhoon “Pepeng.”

Domingo has opened at least a lane of the damaged Bued bridge at the boundary of Pangasinan and La Union. But the bridge is open to light vehicles only. The buses and other heavy vehicles going to La Union and further north continue to take the Urdaneta City - Manaoag - Mangaldan - San Fabian route exiting at junction Damortis Manila North Road.

Domingo also inspected the on-going clearing and restoration works along Kennon Road, Marcos Highway and Bauang-Naguilian Road – the major roads toward Baguio City - and the Halsema Highway, the road leading from Baguio City to Sagada in the Cordillera region.

Meanwhile, the DPWH reported that the cost of damage to infrastructure in eight regions hit by recent typhoons had reached more than P2 billion, including 23 bridges, 295 road sections, 34 flood control facilities and the damaged structures in Agno River Flood Control Project costing P460 Million.

With the coming typhoon “Santi” passing Central and Northern Luzon, Domingo has directed the DPWH field officials and rank-and-file to be on alert 24/7 to respond immediately especially in clearing the national roads. “Traffic should be open at all times especially with the influx of travelers going to the province to pay homage to their departed members of families,” Domingo said.

Mina Diaz

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