DPWH Estimates P86m Worth of Infra Damage in Mindanao

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported P86 million-worth of initial damage in public infrastructure, resulting from the earthquake that shook parts of Mindanao last October 16, 2019.

According to a report from DPWH Regional Office 12, while all major roads and bridges in the region remain passable, some infrastructure were partially damaged and are continuously being monitored due to occurrence of aftershocks.

Upon inspection, cracks were noted on the bridge bank protection of Olandang Bridges 2 and 3 along Midsayap-Makar Road, on the bridge abutment of Malupog and Malitubog Bridges along Banisilan-Guiling Road, on the bridge bank protection of Arizona and Upper Panicupan Bridge along Dualing-New Panay Road, and Dualing-Baliki Silik Road in North Cotabato.

Other affected bridges were Buayan Bridge along Digos-Makar Road in Sarangani and Upper Silway Bridge along Albert Morrow Boulevard in South Cotabato.

Maintenance crew were also quick to install barricade and warning signs near the reported road slip along Marbel-Makar Road and Makar Kiamba Road in South Cotabato, and Maitum-Lake Sebu Road in Sarangani.

On public buildings, the Hall of Justice in Sadaan, Cotabato has the severest damaged building component in need of full rehabilitation.

Minor cracks on the walls of Aleosan District Hospital in Dualing, Cotabato were also observed during the ocular inspection assessment.

Among the school buildings that suffered damage in the region are Dilangalen National High School, Southern Christian College, and Notre Dame of Midsayap College in North Cotabato, and New Isabela Elementary School, San Emmanuel National High School, and Pres Quirino National High School in Sultan Kudarat.

In light of DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar’s directive for immediate response, DPWH continues its efforts to coordinate with district offices on updates about infrastructure damage within their jurisdiction and conduct damage assessment on major roads and bridges, as well as public schools and buildings.

“We are encouraging each and everyone to contact our office to report vulnerabilities and request rescue operations. Together, let us address the outcomes of the tremor that jolted Mindanao,” Secretary Villar said. (DPWH PR)