Western Visayas Builders - Vol. XIV Issue No. 3

DPWH 6 CHIEF FAST-TRACKS CONSTRUCTION OF BACOLOD CITY MUSEUM/AUDITORIUM.

“Expedite the construction,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 Director Nerie D. Bueno told the contractor during her recent visit to the ongoing construction of Bacolod City Museum/Auditorium.

Director Bueno personally fast-tracks various projects in the region especially those that are undertaken by the Regional Office to facilitate the timely implementation.

During the project inspection, Director Bueno instructed the Project Engineer to closely monitor the project implementation to have it delivered on time.

“If possible, we should work round-the-clock and be ‘handson’ to ensure that our projects are implemented as scheduled,” Director Bueno stressed.

RD Bueno, however said that factors like unfavorable weather condition and restrictions due to COVID-19 may hinder the timely completion of the project, and reminded the people on site to follow the necessary health and safety requirements.

“In as much as we want to finish the project on time, we do not want to put at stake the health and safety of our people in the field, hence, you should make sure that our workers are properly managed,” instructed Director Bueno.

Bacolod City Museum/Auditorium, built in Brgy. Alijis, near the new Bacolod Government Center, is a remembrance of the

historic events, culture, artistry and adroitness of the Negrenses who reside in Negros island in the early era.

The ₱213-Million structure funded under the Region’s FY 2020 and FY 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA), involves construction of a 2-storey museum/auditorium with the floor area of approximately 4,800 square meters.

Divided into two phases, an initial amount of ₱163 million was released in the year 2020 for the construction of phase 1 to include the design and building of the main structure, which is already more than half way done. Phase 2, with the funding allocation of ₱50 million will be for the provision of the architectural features.

“This building will serve as an institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the primary tangible evidence of humankind and the environment, with an auditorium to enable to hear and watch various performances,” Director Bueno stated.

“As a green building certified project, this museum will be sustainable, using environment-friendly responsible and energyefficient materials and facilities,” Director Bueno added.

“Bacolod Museum will also serve as a major tourist attraction in the province. It will usher in a brand-new era of cultural preservation in Bacolod City. It is also expected to contribute to the education, cultural and tourism goals of the city, and aid in its economic and cultural revitalization,” explained Director Bueno. ✤

DPWH 6 CHIEF OVERSEES PROJECTS IN GUIMARAS

Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 goes around Western Visayas to personally fast-track various infrastructure projects being implemented by both Regional and District Engineering Offices.

Director Bueno recently checked the widening along Guimaras Circumferential Road, specifically in the town of San Lorenzo, undertaken by DPWH Guimaras District Engineering Office.

Citing from the report of District Engineer Rhodora B. Nuñal, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the ₱78.39-million road widening project is expected to be completed in December this year.

Director Bueno instructed the project engineer to expedite the road widening so it can be conveniently utilized by the public.

“If possible, we need to work round-the-clock to ensure that this project will be completed as scheduled or even ahead of the schedule,” Director Bueno said.

The project involves widening from two (2) to four (4) lanes of the 1.6-kilometer portion of Guimaras Circumferential Road with 280-mm thick Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) and 150-mm thick concrete pavement with precast curb and gutter. The project also includes construction of drainage and slope protection, installation of road safety warning signs, and application of thermoplastic pavement markings.

Guimaras Circumferential Road spans 128.9 kilometers and as of to date, 52.6 kilometers are already widened. DPWH will continuously widen the remaining 2-lane portions to complete the whole stretch.

When completed, the widened Guimaras Circumferential Road will provide safer and more convenient access when traveling from one place to another in the island. This

will significantly increase road capacity, providing comfortable travel experience going to various tourist destinations in the province, especially during Lent season when people visit the “Balaan Bukid” (Holy Mountain) for pilgrimage.

Likewise, Director Bueno checked the on-going construction of seawall along Guimaras Circumferential Road, along the coastal barangay of Cabano in San Lorenzo town.

The ₱96.2-million slope protection project involves construction of 1.84-square kilometer seawall with breakwater, sidewalk, pipe culverts and paving blocks.

“This structure will prevent our national road from possible damage during high tide. More importantly, this will protect the lives, properties and livelihood of the people living in the area,” Director Bueno stressed.

“This will also serve as a recreation spot in the province, wherein both locals and tourists can have a scenic view of the ocean,” RD Bueno explained. ✤

Western Visayas will soon have more rooms to cater more individuals needing medical treatment when two new hospital facilities are constructed.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 along with Senate President Juan Miguel Subiri, Department of Health (DOH), and Local Government officials recently broke ground for the construction of Multi-Purpose Building for Bacolod City General City Hospital in Brgy. Vista Alegre, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the project aims to provide an additional hospital that will serve the needs of the residents of Bacolod City

and province of Negros Occidental, to increase employment for the health sector, and to provide an affordable healthcare system.

“This City Health Complex will be built on this 1.7-hectare lot, including the construction of 16-meter wide access road from the existing road going to the City Health Complex and the construction of four (4) buildings.

The Bacolod City General Hospital is the main building which will be implemented by the Department of

the operation of the soon to be built main hospital building,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

Likewise, DPWH will be constructiong a 5-storey Medical Arts building to augment to the construction of 200-bed capacity Iloilo City Hospital. The Medical Arts building will serve as offices and clinics for medical practitioners, which also include provision of parking area. ✤

FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURES BUILT TO SAFEGUARD COMMUNITIES ALONG AKLAN RIVER

Five (5) flood control structures along Aklan River in the towns of Lezo, Kalibo and Madalag are completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Aklan District Engineering Office.

DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the structures will serve as defenses against flood and water overflow that may affect local communities.

“As we are currently experiencing series of heavy rain pours, these (structures) are beneficial to the people in the province particularly those who are residing along or near the rivers. This will serve as their protection against possible flooding and erosion of river banks, which could pose danger to life, properties and livelihood,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

“The structures also safeguard our roads from possible damage,

hence delivery of basic government services from towns to far flung areas and transport goods from farms to the markets will not be hampered,” Director Bueno added.

DPWH has completed the construction of 564-lineal meter reinforced concrete revetment wall on steel sheet pile in Brgy. Bigaa in Lezo in the amount of ₱96.5 million.

In Kalibo, the 572-lineal meter flood control structure in Brgy. Tigayon and 516-lineal meter structure in Brgy. Mobo with the collective amount of ₱151.7 million, are also completed, which will benefit roughly 6,000 residents residing near the river, and protects agricultural products from being damaged when heavy rains occur.

Likewise, DPWH has completed the construction of 594-lineal meter revetment wall in in Brgy. Guinatuan and

288-lineal meter revetment wall in Bgry. Poblacion, both in Madalag town, with the collective amount of ₱116.4 million.

Meantime, Director Bueno said the construction of ₱84.2-million flood control structure along Ibajay River in Brgy. Laguinbanua in Ibajay town, is in full swing. It involves construction of 557-lineal meter reinforced concrete revetment wall with steel sheet pile and cap, reinforced concrete crest protection, concrete blocks and hexapod foot protection.

Said project, which commenced in February this year, is expected to be completed in December this year. Once completed, flooding and water overflow in the area will be minimized, protecting the lives and livelihood of the people in the area. ✤

IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY AND MOBILITY

DPWH breaks ground for new diversion road in Central Iloilo

Enhanced mobility and improved connectivity will soon be enjoyed by the people of Janiuay and neighboring towns when the construction of the diversion road is completed, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6.

DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno, represented by Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto, along with Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. and Iloilo 3rd Congressional District Representative Lorenz R. Defensor led the recently held groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 1,137-lineal meter diversion road in Janiuay, Iloilo. Also present were Janiuay Mayor Paulino Parian, Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Representative James Ang, Jr., and District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel of DPWH Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office.

Director Fruto said the road will open new growth corridor that will lead to economic progress and DPWH is privileged to be working in partnership with the Local Government Units in providing projects for the benefits of the people.

“True to its mandate and thrust to provide safer, reliable, faster and efficient transport network, DPWH is doing its part to enhance mobility and improve connectivity, which are really necessary so we can travel faster, save time, and at least we can be productive because of that,” Director Fruto said.

Amounting to ₱38.4 million, the diversion road project involves construction of 2-lane, 6.7-meter wide Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) with elevation on curves. It also includes construction of lined canal, cross drainage and slope protection.

When completed, the diversion road will minimize traffic congestion and improve road safety especially in the town proper. This will also reduce travel time from Janiuay to the neighboring towns of Cabatuan and Mina.

This road will also serve as alternate route leading to Iloilo International Airport and Iloilo Sea Port, hence improving socioeconomic development in the area. ✤

BUILDING BETTER ROAD

Asphalt road facilitates convenient transportation to northern Iloilo

Convenient and faster travel to northern Iloilo and neighboring provinces of Capiz and Aklan will be enjoyed by motorists and the general public with the improvement along IloiloCapiz Road (New Route), specifically in Leganes, Iloilo.

Undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, the ₱72-million project involves asphalt overlaying of 4-lane, 3-kilometer concrete road. Reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings will also be provided for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the improved road will provide better transport access going to towns and tourist destinations in northern Iloilo and to provinces of Capiz and Aklan, which leads to Boracay Island.

“Asphalt road will provide motorists with smoother driving experience and reduce maintenance cost of vehicles,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

“The asphalt road will likewise restore the surface ability of the road to handle heavy traffic and will improve the riding quality and noise while traveling,” Director Bueno added.

Meantime, OIC-District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said the provision of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings and solar studs will ensure safety of motorists and pedestrians especially at night.

“The pavement markings and solar studs are visible at night that will guide our motorists to stay on their lanes, and will provide warning among our pedestrians not to go within the lane markings to avoid untoward incidents,” DE Soriano said. ✤

Paved local road mobilizes access to remote areas in Ilog, Negros Occidental

Residents from the remote areas in Ilog, Negros Occidental now have easier access to basic government services with the improvement of local road.

Said road improvement, undertaken by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office, comprises two road sections with the collective length of 695 lineal meters amounting to ₱9.9 million.

Section 1, with the length of 472.1 lineal meters, is part of the local road network of Ilog to Kabankalan City thru Brgy. Tapi. Section 2, measuring 222.8 lineal meters long, is an access road to the neighboring barangay of Magballo, which is likewise part of Kabankalan City.

The project involves upgrading of the earth road to 2-lane, 6-meter wide concrete road to accommodate more vehicles, making the transportation more convenient. It also includes provision of grouted riprap and stone masonry for slope protection, and guardrails for the safety of our motorists and the people residing in the area.

Citing from the report of District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo, DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said these road sections connect Brgy. Balicotoc in Ilog town to the neighboring barangays of Tapi and Magballo, which are access roads to Kabankalan City.

“With this paved road, delivery of services and products is easier, faster and less costly. This (road) also provides access

from the highland areas of Ilog going to Kabankalan City and Candoni town, making local trade more accessible,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

Likewise, Brgy. Balicotoc chairman, Mr. Mark Joseph Valenciano said the road concreting project is beneficial in easing their mobility and transport of agricultural products from farms to the market.

He added that the concrete road will provide their residents and other commuters with a more convenient “shortcut” to Kabankalan City.

Considering its geographical location in mountainous area, the road was once rugged and muddy due to recurrence of rain, making it hard for the people in transporting their farm products such as rice and corn, and sugarcane.

“With this improved road quality, our farmers will no longer endure long travel in transporting their goods to the market; people in remote areas now have easy access to social and health services especially during emergency situations,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

“This will also improve peace and order, reducing insurgency cases especially in far-flung areas in the province, hence people in the remote areas will feel more secured,” Director Bueno added. ✤

Occ. 3rd DEO

Parallel Bridge built to provide 4-lane roadways in Negros Occidental

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Negros Occidental 2nd District Engineering Office built a new bridge parallel to the existing Magsaysay bridge along the Bacolod South Road in order to provide 4-lane roadways in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

The ₱76.9 million project involves a construction of 2-lane, Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) bridge in bored pile foundation.

Citing from the report of District Engineer Allan Rey R. Pajimna, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the construction of the new bridge aims to complement the 4-lane road to lessen the congested traffic, reduce travel time and to attract investors within the area.

“When completed, the bridge will lessen backedup traffic and shorter travel times to the southern area of

Negros Occidental which will be a great advantage to the travelers,” RD Bueno said.

RD Bueno added that improving this bridge will ensure for faster delivery of services and commodities, as well as ease of travel for farmers, traders, rural residents, and the general public traveling to the southern part of Negros Occidental.

“This project offers a significant contribution in linking people’s lives in terms of food, relationships, tourism, and other necessities for the common good. A bridge functions for both locally and globally which results in several prospects for economic development,” RD Bueno concluded. ✤

Improved roads enhance mobility in Capiz towns

Traveling to various towns in Capiz is now more accessible and convenient with the improved roads undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Capiz 1st District Engineering Office.

DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the completed road projects link various towns, provide access to tourism destinations, shorten travel and ease traffic congestion.

DPWH has completed the widening of Maayon Junction Bailan Road in Maayon, Capiz. The ₱48.9-million project involves road widening from two to four lanes, with the length of 1.3 kilometers.

“The widened road enhances mobility in the towns of Maayon, Pontevedra and Panit-an, accommodating more vehicles and providing safer and faster transportation,” Director Bueno said.

The access road in Brgy. Tabun-acan in Pilar town is already paved, making a more convenient and enjoyable trip to the majestic 42-feet Hinulugan Falls, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the province. The ₱39.8-million road concreting, a convergence project of DPWH and the Department of Tourism (DOT), involves concreting of 2-lane road with the length of 1.7 kilometers.

“This paved road could attract more tourists to visit Hinulugan Falls, promoting tourism development in the province. This will also give the locals a chance to market their products that could help improved their economic condition,” Director Bueno stressed.

Meantime, Director Bueno said that construction of Maayon By-pass Road in Maayon Capiz is also completed. The ₱37.5-million project, involves construction of concrete road with the length of 1.22 kilometers and drainage with the length of 1,620 lineal meters.

Maayon By-pass Road decongests traffic in the main thoroughfare in the towns of Cuartero, Maayon and Bailan, provides vehicles with alternate route, shortens travel time, and decongest traffic in the main thoroughfare.

“With this by-pass road, travelers and motorists will have alternate and faster route to various communities in the town of Maayon. This could also open opportunities for various economic in the area that could improve the quality of life of the people in the locality,” said Director Bueno. ✤

DPWH starts restoration of the collapsed bridge in Sibalom Antique

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Antique District Engineering Office (DEO) is currently undertaking the restoration of Egana Bridge in Barangay Egana, Sibalom, Antique, which recently collapsed due to the passage of truck loaded with sand.

District’s maintenance crew and heavy equipment provided by the DPWH Regional Office VI were deployed to undertake the repair/rehabilitation works

District Engineer Mark Anthony M. Alejo said the restoration works will immediately be undertaken for the resumption of the services of the Hamtic-Biaan-Eqafia-Slbalorn Road and make it passable to the commuters and the general public.

Meanwhile, travel advisories were installed along strategic places to inform the public of the closure of Egaña Bridge and a re-routing map was provided to inform the commuters of the route to take to reach the town of Sibalom, Antique. Warning signs were installed, traffic management, and other maintenance activities are being undertaken by the DPWH maintenance crew to assist the general public. ✤

Since July 4, 2022, Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno has been in charge of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VI. Director Bueno has more than three decades of experience in the field of civil engineering.

She began her career at Region IV-B as an Engineering Aide and worked her way up the ladder to become the District Engineer of the Baguio City District Engineering Office, Assistant Regional Director of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and ultimately Regional Director.

Director Nerie Bueno was formerly assigned to Region 8 as the Regional Director before moving to Region 6. She also held the positions of Regional Director for Region 2, Region 1, and CAR.

RD Nerie Bueno is a Career Executive Service Officer III. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Sto. Thomas and completed her Masters in Public Administration degree at Baguio Central University. Director Nerie Bueno was born in San Rafael, Bulacan.

RD Nerie sees herself more as a managerial leader who can adjust her roles and responsibilities to the circumstances in order to achieve a certain goal. She focuses more on the functions of people than on their roles. In order to inspire employees, she never stops finding solutions to issues and determining the best strategies for getting things done. She encourages everyone to work toward the organization’s objectives while ensuring that daily tasks are carried out efficiently. She believes that anything is possible if people work together and thus always says, “We are stronger when we are one—our unity is our strength.”

She believed that management is an art because it requires creativity and the ability to understand and relate to people. She makes the effort to get to know her employees better because, in her words, “solving problems will be unique to each person.” In her first month in the Region, she visited various District Engineering Offices right away and reached out to them to learn more about the dynamics of each office. RD Nerie also started team building activities for the Region’s top management to strengthen the bonds and connections between managers and employees and to raise engagement levels.

In her first three months in the Region, RD Nerie has identified areas that require change, interacted with staff members, empowered them to make a difference, and gradually developed a team capable of genuine collaboration. ✤

“GOD HAS GIVEN US THE OPPORTUNITY AND PRIVILEGE TO WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND TO WORK AT DPWH. LET US APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE, BE THANKFUL, AND TRY TO MAKE OURSELVES BETTER PERSONS; AND IF WE DO THAT, WE CAN CONTRIBUTE MORE TO OUR AGENCY”

DPWH RO-VI THR UGH THE LENS

TEAM BUILDING

Good organizational performance can be attributed to the quality and nature of the team and the interaction among team members. It is therefore imperative that organizations are seen to function and perform their duties as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Team building activities have been identified as one sure way of enhancing the effectiveness of a group. Teambuilding exercises put people in a relaxed environment and encourage them to communicate while completing tasks. Research suggests that better communication skills will have a domino effect on productivity levels. “When employees work together and communicate, there is less work duplication and less friction between workers.”

With these in mind, RD Nerie Bueno initiated team building activities for the top officials in the Region. This aims to create team synergy that results from grouping people into teams to solve issues, make choices, and take action through a variety of team-building exercises. ✤

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success”

- Henry Ford

DPWH Equipment Engineers

September 28-29, 2022

The two-day Coordination meeting was attended by Equipment Management Division Personnel and Equipment Service Unit (ESU) Engineers from District Engineering Offices in the region.

AWARDS GIVEN DURING THE COORDINATION MEETING:

CY 2021 Excellence in Regional Fleet Management - 1 Star Rating DPWH Region VI

In recognition of and their exemplary contribution to the service of the DPWH and the Filipino people in general, evidenced by the outstanding ratings on equipment availability and utilization; excellent performance in equipment management audit; timely and submission of report such as ESPMUR, EDAUR, PM program, and geotagging; well accounted and documented inventory of assets; and implementation of innovation and best practices.

• CY 2021 Excellence in Dredging Fleet Management - 2 Star Rating DPWH Region VI

In recognition of and appreciation for their exemplary contribution to the service of the DPWH in particular and the Filipino people in general, evidenced by the outstanding accomplishment of dredging projects, management of equipment and resources, compliance to end enforcement of safety, health and environmental laws, rules, and regulations; and timely and quality submission of reports.

• Bacolod City DEO - 15th Place

In recognition of and their exemplary contribution to the service of the DPWH and the Filipino people in general, evidenced by the outstanding ratings on equipment availability and utilization; compliance to preventive maintenance programs; timely and quality submission of reports; excellent programs in equipment management audits; and implementation of innovation and best practices. ✤

PDEA Conducts Drug Test and Awareness Campaign for DPWHR6 Employees

A total of 146 personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 underwent random drug testing conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 6, today, August 19.

Said drug testing is in line with PDEA’s Drug Test and Awareness Education Campaign.

PDEA also briefed the personnel on drug-related lecture and highlighted the harmful effects of taking these substances inside a workplace.

Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno recognizes the importance of conducting a Drug Test and Lecture campaign to keep the Department a drug-free workplace. ✤

DPWH R6 Employees Received Booster Shots to Strengthen Protection Against COVID-19

Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6, as well as their dependents received COVID-19 Booster Vaccination on August 12, 2022, administered by the Iloilo City Health Office.

This is in support of the intensified nationwide booster immunization program of the government led by DOH dubbed as “PinasLakas”.

Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno encouraged all employees to receive booster doses to increase the 45% vaccine boosted population of the Region 6 workforce. ✤

DPWHR6 Revives Zumba to Promote Healthy Lifestyle

After a year-long break, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office employees can’t get enough of dancin’ to the beat and swayin’ to the groove by reviving its weekly Zumba exercise program at the flag pole area.

The fitness activity spearheaded by the Administrative Division is part of the department’s health and wellness program to achieve a work-life balance. Zumba is scheduled every Thursday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

All employees of the Regional Office are encouraged and invited to participate by dressing comfortably, bringing a water bottle in case of dehydration, following minimum health standard protocols, and, of course, showcasing their hidden talents in terms of dancing. ✤

BAYANIHAN PARA SA LIGTAS NA BALIK-ARAL:

DPWH VI JOINS DEPED’S BRIGADA ESKWELA

With the theme “Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral”, the Department of Education (DepEd) has officially relaunched the Nationwide Oplan Brigada Eskwela (OBE) after a two-year hiatus due to the risks and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In support of the said activity, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 actively participates in the program in time for the opening of classes.

Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said this collaborative initiative provides necessary assistance to the students as well as a way for the Department to evaluate the condition of the school’s facilities and infrastructure.

“The active participation of DPWH with DepEd’s “Brigada Eskwela” is significant as it responds to the school’s infrastructure concerns for the safety of staff and students when classes open this year,” RD Bueno said.

Each District Engineering Office (DEO) in the Region adopted a school beneficiary and participated in the “Brigada Eskwela” activity by assessing the safety and standards of the school buildings, donating cleaning equipment, and distributing school and office supplies.

In the said activity, a total of 16 school beneficiaries were adopted: five (5) in Aklan DEO, four (4) in Negros Occidental 1st DEO, four (4) in Negros

Occidental 2nd DEO, two (2) in Negros Occidental 3rd DEO, and one (1) in Iloilo 3rd DEO.

“We hope that every school in the Philippines will have a conducive learning environment once the faceto-face classes resume after being suspended due to the pandemic. DPWH continues to collaborate with DepEd on the building, maintenance, and renovation of school facilities,” RD Bueno remarked. ✤

SOURCE: DPWH Aklan DEO

DPWH Negros Occ. 1st DEO

DPWH Negros Occ. 2nd DEO

DPWH Negros Occ. 3rd DEO

DPWH Iloilo 3rd DEO

trainings

Training/Workshop on Journalism Held for DPWH

6 Regional and District Information Officers

A 3-day Training/Workshop in News Writing, Photo/ Video Editing, spearheaded by the Regional Public Affairs and Information Staff (RPAIS) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, was conducted last September 14-16, 2022, at the Regional Office.

Said training, attended by the Information Officers of the DPWH 6 Regional and District Public Affairs and Information Offices, aims to improve skills in writing and editing.

Representing Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno, Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto said the journalism training and workshop is a great avenue to learn and practice the basics and structure of news writing, writing for social media, photography, video production and reporting communication requirements for regional and district public affairs and information offices.

“This 3-day program will bring out your writing and editing skills. This is the starting point! You will make your own stories and be our channel on how we showcase DPWH as an infrastructure arm of the government,” ARD Fruto said.

“We have a lot more to show, and this is not only about writing concepts but will be our avenue to engage with our stakeholders. You will be the catalyst for these possible changes here in DPWH,” ARD Fruto added.

Furthermore, ARD Fruto emphasized that the workshop serves as a training ground for the participants with the growing demands for quality outputs within the department.

“We have talent and skills and everything, but we don’t have basic training for this. I am looking forward to this being your stepping stone in the department’s growing demands for submitting testimonials, AVPs, and Project Spotlight that truly represent DPWH’s accomplishments,” ARD Fruto stated.

Expert and skilled personnel from the Stakeholders Relations Service (SRS) Central Office and private entity were invited as resource speakers.

The seminar was a great opportunity among the participants in improving their journalism skills, which they could apply in their respective offices. ✤

Need a vacation? Do you want to have a peaceful and quiet getaway, visit the island province of Guimaras.

Guimaras Island offers a blissful blend of communitybased rural tourism, educational and heritage sites, islandhopping and sightseeing attractions, and the agri-ecoadventure tourism circuits.

It is located in the Western Visayas region where the Panay Gulf separating the island of Panay and Negros is located.

Guimaras boasts of growing the sweetest mangoes in the whole world! But this small island province is more than just these iconic fruits. It is now one of the recognized best eco-tourism spots in the Philippines.

Few of the numerous magnificent destinations in the province include: Guisi Beach in Nueva Valencia town (where a Spanish-colonial Guisi Lighthouse is nearby located), with its golden yellow sand complementing the emerald green sea water; Higante Cave in the town of Jordan, which is rich with fascinating folklore stories; Turtle island, where you can have a close encounter with endangered turtle species; Roca Encantada in Buenavista town, a national heritage house which was built in 1910; and the San Lorenzo Wind Farm in the municipality of San Lorenzo, the first of its kind in Western Visayas.

Also located in Jordan town are Trappist Monastery, an ideal spot for spiritual contemplation; and the Balaan Bukid, a famous pilgrimage mountain especially during Lent season.

Guimaras island, with Jordan and Buenvista wharfs as entry points, is approximately 20 minutes

away from Iloilo City by boat, from Parola Wharf. If you want to travel with your cars and other forms of land vehicles, you may opt to take the Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro).

Going around the island is not just fun, but safe. Road is very convenient with the improved Guimaras Central Road and widened Guimaras Circumferential Road, multi-year projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Access to tourist destinations is easier with various infra-tourism roads provided by DPWH in convergence with the Department of Tourism. An esplanade where one can capture and scenic view of the ocean is also underway.

Thus, if you haven’t made a vacation plan yet and wish to have a serene and quiet getaway, come visit the island province of Guimaras. ✤

COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION REPORT

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

In line with the Department’s continuous improvement of its services in conformance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and in compliance with Republic Act 11032 or Ease of Doing Business, DPWH has implemented an effective arrangement for communicating with customers in relation to the delivery of customer inquiries and customer feedback, including customer complaints.

DPWH, through the Stakeholders Relations Services (SRS), offers different platforms to attend to public concerns: 24/7 Call Center, letters (direct and referrals), DPWH Website, DPWH email account, social media websites (DPWH official Facebook and Twitter accounts), the President’s Facebook account, walk-in, print and broadcast media, and stakeholders’ management. SRS gathers customer feedback through the abovementioned platforms and will then refer it to the appropriate DPWH office for proper response and action in the form of a Request for Action (RFA) Memorandum.

The Regional Public Affairs and Information Staff (RPAIS) manages the region’s customer feedback mechanisms and endorses RFA memoranda to concerned offices and District Engineering Offices (DEOs) to address various concerns, inquiries, requests, or complaints from external stakeholders of the Department. The RPAIS also handles local concerns arising from DPWH Region VI official Facebook (DPWH Region VI), email account (dpwh_r06@ dpwh.gov.ph), walk-in, phone-in, letters and news clippings.

These channels were able to establish an effective feedback mechanism which further strengthened citizen participation in improving the best delivery of services by the Department.

Recently, DPWH was recognized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for achieving one of the highest complaints resolution rates for the past decade, “demonstrating consistent commitment to customer satisfaction, process improvement, and public service excellence as partner of CSC.” ✤

CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION - REQUEST FOR ACTION (RFA) LOCAL

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Findings: As of September 30, 2022, Region 6 received a total of seventy nine (79) Request for Action (RFA) memoranda through the Regional Public Affairs and Information Staff, and coming from different platforms. The highest number of RFAs were received from the official Facebook page of DPWH Region VI with sixty-two (62) RFAs. As per category, maintenance related concerns received the most feedback, with sixty-two (62) RFAs.

All RFAs were resolved within the prescribed timeline in accordance with Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business. ✤

CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION - REQUEST FOR ACTION

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

(RFA) FROM SRS

Findings: As of September 30, 2022, Region 6 received a total of one hundred thirty-three (133) Request for Action (RFA) memoranda through the Stakeholders Relations Service (SRS), Central Office, Manila, and coming from different platforms. The highest number of RFAs were received from the Presidential Complaint or the 8888 Hotline, with fifty-one (51) RFAs. As per category, issues on right-of-way received the most feedback, with sixty-three (63) RFAs.

In accordance with Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business, all RFAs were resolved within the prescribed timeline, with the exception of a few cases that took longer to resolve than expected. ✤