CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 has reported Thursday the status of three infrastructure projects in Central Luzon.

In Baler, Aurora, the DPWH Aurora District Engineering Office (DEO) completed a flood mitigation structure that will protect the communities in Barangay Suklayin.

According to District Engineer Roderick Andal, the structure is built along the waterways of Suklayin River, which involves the construction of a 750-lineal-meter concrete wall with steel sheet pile foundation, grouted riprap, and stone masonry, enhancing the area’s resilience to storms and rising water levels.

Funded through the 2024 national budget at a cost of P94.2 million, this flood control project was implemented to mitigate the impact of storm surges and shield nearby communities from future water-related disasters.

In Laur, Nueva Ecija, the DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd DEO has completed a new classroom building at the Jorge M. Padilla National High School (JMPNHS) Annex. 

According to District Engineer Robert Jay Panaligan, the new building can now accommodate students up to Grade 10, adding that the one-story, two-classroom facility was funded under the Department of Education’s Basic Educational Facilities Fund.

He added that the JMPNHS Annex transitions from serving Grades 7 to 9 to offering full junior high school education.

Panaligan explained that the 191.25-square-meter building directly supports the school’s expansion, addressing the persistent classroom shortage and allowing more students in Laur to complete junior high school without transferring to other campuses.

OIC-Assistant District Engineer Leonora Cruz added that this development helps reduce overcrowding and promotes a more conducive learning environment.

The P4.92-million project features ceiling fans, blackboards, a corridor, a comfort room, and persons with disability-accessible ramp.

In Dinalupihan, Bataan, the DPWH Bataan 3rd (DEO) is making significant progress on Phase I of its new four-story office building. 

According to Project Engineer Jinky Ignacio, current work focuses on the pouring of slabs and beams on the structure’s third floor, marking a critical stage in the project’s development.

District Engineer Maribel Navarro expressed confidence in the project, stating that the new facility will enhance the operational efficiency of the district office.

With the first phase nearing completion, the new building is expected to be fully operational by 2026, providing a dedicated space for the DEO’s functions and supporting continued infrastructure development across the province.