DPWH: More infra projects on the way in southern Mindanao

More infrastructure projects, many involving the upgrading of roads, are now under way in Mindanao, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said. In Davao del Sur, the DPWH is planning to upgrade roads from gravel to concrete, with the DPWH conducting discussions with project stakeholders. "DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut together with Assistant Secretary Emil Sadain, [officer] in-charge of projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA), have started discussion with DPWH Region 11 and project stakeholders on the implementation of concrete paving works along Malita-Don Marcelino Road under the National Road Improvement Management Program 2," the DPWH said in a news release. The DPWH said the 30-kilometer road project will traverse the coastal line of Celebes Sea and is linked to the newly completed junction of Sulop-Malalag-Malita Road. The project will improve the transport of goods and services between towns and provinces of Southern Mindanao, the DPWH said. In Compostela Valley, the DPWH has proposed to undertake slope protection works for the Tuburan Section of the highway which frequently experiences landslides. The DPWH said this should solve the perennial landslide problem along Daang Maharlika in Mawad town in Compostela Valley. "At the onset of rain, [District Engineer Silvino Jr.] Cortez said that DPWH maintenance equipment and crew are on alert to provide immediate assistance and clearing of obstruction along the national highway’s carriageway," the DPWH said. For his part, Region 11 Director Sinaolan Macarambon instructed other district engineers in Southern Mindanao to assess critical sections prone to landslides. After the recent landslide along Davao-Bukidnon Road which clogged canals and drainages, the DPWH Davao City Sub-District Engineering Office dispatched maintenance crew and equipment to clear highway obstructions. To meet the set target completion for the ongoing Compostela-Cateel Road, Davao Oriental 1st District Engineer Joselito Caballero has ordered round-the-clock work for this project. "The Compostela-Cateel Road is a direct link to Compostela Valley Province and a shorter route than the Davao Oriental-Surigao Coastal Road when going to Davao City via Compostela Valley," the DPWH said. - VVP, GMA News