CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Luzon created a task force to inspect bridges and buildings in order to mitigate damages in the event of a major earthquake or other forms of natural calamities.
Regional Director Alfredo Tolentino, in an interview with Sun.Star Pampanga, said he has already issued a memorandum to all district engineers and OIC district engineers in the province of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Bataan and Aurora including the cities in Central Luzon.
“Matagal na tayong may order galing pa sa national (DPWH) kaya lang ngayon lang muli natin inactivate ang task force at pinalawak pa natin ang coverage ng inspecton , kabilang dito ang mga tulay at buildings,” Tolentino said.
He said the department has already conducted seminars and have constantly monitored vital government structures like dikes, buildings both private and public, national roads and bridges.
“So far, we do not see any imminent danger but never the less we are always prepared. I have ordered all District Engineers in their area of responsibility to submit their reports and findings to my office of such structures, as we are coordinating with the office of Philvocs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) and Office of Civil Defense as well as the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council as part of our preparedness in the department,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino added that his office is also coordinating with the provincial governments and local government units in the area, saying the task force in the region will comprise of representatives from the planning and design, construction, maintenance division of the Regional Office and District Engineering Offices, Pice, Asep and Pabo. (Chris Navarro)