Region 3 fleet upgrading pushed

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Public Works and Highways, through its Bureau of Equipment, has pushed for the upgrading of the equipment fleet of various District Engineering Offices in Central Luzon, particularly those in disaster-prone areas.

According to BoE Director Toribio Noel Ilao, the severity of damages caused by calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes that hit several Region 3 provinces in the past prompted them to review the DRRM resources of the district offices, particularly the number of heavy equipment that can be immediately deployed to any affected location.

"We need more quick response equipment in places like Nueva Ecija, Aurora and Zambales to boost their efficiency in carrying out activities that will ensure public safety," Ilao said.

During disaster response operations, the DPWH prioritizes the rehabilitation of collapsed bridges, cut road sections and damaged dikes to quickly restore mobility and ensure the safety of people in the affected areas.

Zambales 1st District Engineer Hermon Ines expressed gratitude to the BoE for providing them with a mini dump truck that they can use in disaster response and routine maintenance activities, bringing their total number of equipment to 13.

The BoE also issued a brand-new road grader for the Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office, increasing the number of its operational highway maintenance equipment to 11.

Nueva Ecija Area Engineer Edwin Lopez said the district office will be able to use the new heavy equipment in maintaining rough and unpaved roads and in conducting clearing operations on national roads.

The BoE also deployed a total of 14 heavy machines to the DPWH district offices of Aurora, Nueva Ecija 2nd and Zambales 2nd.