Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) together with heads of line and oversight agencies and development partners involved in the implementation of infrastructure flagship projects (IFP) under Build Build Build (BBB) Program met on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 for the 5th Inter-agency IFP Forum: Final Project Review of the Working Committee for Forward Transition. DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain, currently serving in his excellent capacity as the Build Build Build Program Chief Implementer, gave the opening remarks of 5th Inter-agency IFP Forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center – Reception Hall in Pasay City. Since he was directed on November 2021 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to supervise and oversee the overall implementation of flagship projects under the BBB Program, Undersecretary Sadain organized a monthly forum to provide an inter-agency reporting for the review of progress on all flagship projects and has closely coordinated with oversight agencies namely National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Finance (DOF), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM). "While the flagship infrastructure projects under BBB Program continued to make progress, it is also setting up the foundation in terms of infrastructure for the next administration and beyond," said Undersecretary Sadain. Undersecretary Sadain mentioned that the synergy of the Cabinet Infrastructure Cluster headed by DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado and Economic Development Cluster led by DOF Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez is instrumental in the desired sustainability and continuity of all infrastructure flagship projects by the next incoming administration. "As Chief Implementer of BBB program, I take pride in our resiliency, when we stood the ground against the pandemic and other calamities, working even harder amidst the struggles and unprecedented changes to sustain the momentum of the vision of massive infrastructure development," added Undersecretary Sadain. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Sadain in his role as the Chief Implementer of the BBB Program was given both a certificate and plaque of appreciation signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea in grateful appreciation of his invaluable support and contribution to the success of the BBB Program that ushers the "Golden Age of Infrastructure" in the Philippines. With the BBB Program on full swing in the last few years even amidst the pandemic crisis, the government disbursement of its funds have reached record high due to strong infrastructure spending and other capital outlays, said Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo. OIC- Undersecretary Roderick M. Planta of NEDA, the agency responsible for infrastructure planning and investment programming and likewise supervises the appraisal of major capital projects, said that infrastructure projects has strengthened the investment climate needed to bring economic growth to the country. DOF Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin cited the vigorous implementation of high impact infrastructure projects in jumpstarting economic recovery from the pandemic. The IFP Forum was also attended by development partners namely Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Kelly Bird, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto, World Bank Representative Feng Liu, and Korea Eximbank Country Director Moon Jae Joong. With DPWH as the leading infrastructure arm of the government, Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes representing the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, summed up in his report the progress of DPWH flagship projects with most impact on the economy. Executive Director Atty. Alvin Carullo of the Toll Regulatory Board, the agency that regulates and administers toll road facilities provided updates on implemention of the five (5) PPP expressways projects. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) had a comprehensive report of railways projects by Undersecretary Timothy John Batan; roads and infrastructure sector projects by Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor; aviation and airports sector projects by Assistant Secretary Jaime Melo; maritime sector projects by Undersecretary George V. Ursabia Jr.; and pipelined projects by Assistant Secretary Ma. Sheilah Napalang. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Leonor Cleofas gave an insight on the different projects laid out for the water resources and sewerage systems around Metro Manila. University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Vice President Elvira Zamora discussed the new PGH building that will soon rise in Diliman, Quezon City including a new Cancer Center. The soon-to-be the country's first-ever Virology Science and Technology Institute was presented by Director Annabelle Briones of the Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute. National Power Corporation (NPC) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Donato Marcos speaks on the power generation projects being implemented by NPC. DICT Undersecretary Maria Victoria Castro showcased the plans for the enhancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) system all throughout the country. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary of the Health Facilities and Infrastructure Team Dr. Lilibeth C. David provided an overview of the projects implemented by DOH as they lead the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista shared the progress of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) project as one (1) of the trailblazing legacies of the Duterte administration. The latest development on projects geared towards the improvement of water districts nationwide was reported by Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) OIC-Administrator Eileen Dela Vega while National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator General Ricardo Visaya elaborated the plans for the betterment of the irrigation networks and facilities nationwide.   Article courtesy of Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: Laag Ta Bai Facebook Page President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project, an iconic bridge that links mainland Cebu in Cebu City to Mactan Island through Cordova. The 8.9 kilometer CCLEX is highlighted by its iconic crosses on top of the twin pylons of the cable-stayed main bridge over the Mactan Channel befitting Cebu’s titles as “Queen City of the South”, the Philippines oldest city, and considered to be “Asia's Cradle of Christianity”. Joining the President in the inauguration are Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger G., Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, and various officials from the different government agencies, local government units, and foreign dignitaries. Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways  Also witnessing the event from DPWH are Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut; Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral; Assistant Secretaries Wilfredo S. Mallari, Eric A. Ayapana and Rolito D. Manalo; Region 7 Director Edgar B. Tabacon; and Public Private Partnership Service the taken by project developer Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a subsidiary company of MPTC, through a joint venture agreement with Cebu City and the municipality of Cordova. The cable-stayed twin single pylon main bridge has a span length of 390 meters. Its pylon height of 145 meters and navigational vertical clearance of 52.5 meters and 260 meters horizontal clearance are sufficient for the passage of large vessels. With a carrying capacity of two (2) lanes per direction, the expressway project also involves the construction of 1,350 meters of viaduct and 5,219 meters causeway and 603 meters low-level bridges. The now-landmark of Cebu skyline is expected to serve around 50,000 vehicles daily.    Article courtesy of the Department of Public Works and Highways 

Photo credit: Department of Transport Philippines A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday said the passage of the new Public Service Act has paved the way for the eventual revival and operation of the Panay line under the Panay Railways Inc. (PRI). In a statement, AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Representative Sharon Garin said many railway construction projects are currently underway that will benefit from new investments, such as the Panay Railways which has had no running rail since 1985, through the new law. Garin said Republic Act 11659, or the New Public Service Act, will definitely improve the country's public services by allowing more investors to participate in previously "closed" industries. "I am excited to see how the railway industry will be positively affected by Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)’” Garin said. "I am sure that very soon, we will have a modernized rail system running in our home province." Garin said the revival of this mode of transport will surely create jobs and more opportunities in the area. She also noted that underspending and lack of capital for maintenance and expansion have always been a problem with the country’s railway system. She said the initial PHP299 billion estimated worth of new FDIs is sure to include funds for the modernization and expansion of the country’s railway system. “I am excited that the rehabilitation of railways will extend to my home province. There have been many interested foreign investors in the rehabilitation and construction of better railways in Panay since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between interested foreign companies and the PRI since 2018. This includes a two-phase project that would connect Iloilo City to Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan," she said. Garin said a good transport system can bring about better movement of goods and people. "Rapid transit is not only a dream but is soon to be a reality. From subways to commuter rails up to provincial stations, I am confident that this chain of improvement will ultimately lead to better services for our people,” Garin said. By Filane Mikee Cervantes   Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

Photo credit: Bilyonaryo Megawide Construction Corporation reported consolidated revenues of P15.4 billion in 2021, 21% higher year-on-year, amid a persistent COVID-19 pandemic. The construction segment rallied the group and recorded revenues of P14.3 billion, 32% more than the previous year. The airport and landport businesses, on the other hand, continued to be affected by restricted travel and transport as well as limited economic activities, resulting in weaker financial performances. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or EBITDA amounted to P2.84 billion as airport operations generated losses. With a more stable operating environment, the construction segment recorded a net income of P401 million and more than four times the P93 million income posted in the previous year. However, weak results from the other business segments resulted in a consolidated net loss of P893 million, with net loss attributable to equity holders of the Parent tapering to P343 million. Driving Resiliency and Cycle-Resistance “The past two years under the pandemic were very difficult, as our financial performance was severely affected by restricted travel and transport. In addition, the virus’ evolving variants ushered in a fresh set of lockdowns and discouraged a return to normalcy. Amid all these, we relentlessly pursued programs that will strengthen our core businesses and make them more cycle-resistant to deliver for us stable earnings year in and year out,” Edgar Saavedra, Chairman and CEO of Megawide, said. The construction segment remained resilient but Megawide sees better days ahead as the winning bids for the big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Metro Manila Subway and North South Commuter Line, have yet to be officially announced. “We are also looking forward to a better performance for our airport operations, with the national elections, the campaign period associated with it, and summer season driving domestic traffic. Hopefully, with a higher vaccination rate nationwide and managed infections this year, travel will be restored and return to pre-pandemic activities will be accelerated,” Saavedra added. Recovery in travel and transport The Company is already seeing initial signs of recovery in its airport asset the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), where January-February traffic showed a 170% improvement from the same period in 2021, data from the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) show. “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that global air travel will be 80-90% of its pre-pandemic levels this year and next, with prospects of exceeding 2019 figures by 2024. That being said, this revenge travel should present a huge upside to MCIA, which currently operates at 20-30% of pre-COVID levels,” noted Louie Ferrer, Megawide’s Executive Director for Infrastructure Development and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation’s (GMCAC’s) President. In anticipation of the global tourism revival, MCIA has partnered with Emirates and Turkish Airlines to gain access to Europe and Middle East. Both airlines are expected to augment the predominantly Asian tourist market in Cebu as the former flies daily while the latter follows a thrice-a-week schedule. Meanwhile, the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is likewise optimistic for a rebound, as around 6,500 sqms of office space in Tower 2 has been signed and contracted out as of end-2021, bringing the lease rate up to 83%. This is expected to be complemented by 1,250 sqms of additional commercial space that will offer new and exciting products that will serve the growing number of passengers as well. “We are also making a conscious effort to shift to more public and social infrastructure, which we believe will be critical in truly engineering a First-World Philippines. Outside PITX, we are exploring strategic locations where we can expand intra- and inter-island connectivity through a hub-and-spoke model, with PITX at the center,” Saavedra added. Carbon in the works Down south, the Carbon Market redevelopment is in full swing, with the interim market completed and now welcoming vendors. The Sto. Nino Chapel and Statue was likewise officially consecrated in a ceremony held during the celebration of Easter Sunday last April 17, 2022. “Carbon Market will be a game-changer not only for Cebu but for public market districts around the country. Not only does this modernize and refurbish the age-old system and structure in the province, it will also refresh the neighborhood into a modern-day tourist attraction,” said Ferrer, who also serves as the President of Cebu2World Development, Inc. (C2W). Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by 2027, which will transform Carbon Market into a multistructure facility, having a fully-built up GLA of approximately 50,000 sqms, spread across the public market, commercial centers, and bayfront areas for vendors, business partners, trade participants, consumers, and tourists to enjoy. Financial Management on Track The Company likewise continued with its financial management initiatives, specifically aimed at balance sheet health and optimizing financing costs. As of end December 2021, the Parent Company improved its debt-to-equity ratio to 1.23x from 1.59x pre-pandemic in 2019 and remained well below the 2.33x covenant. The Company also completed the rebalancing of its P24.5 billion project financing at GMCAC in May 2021 and successfully issued P4.0 billion worth of Series 4 Preferred Shares to retire the original and more expensive Company Preferred Shares issued in 2014. “We also turned inward to strengthen our financial position, tapping the capital markets to take advantage of favorable interest rates, as part of our long-term financial management roadmap,” Saavedra said.   Article courtesy of the Philippine Stock Exchange

Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways The Philippine Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have reaffirmed their strong partnership for long-term economic growth through infrastructure projects to accelerate economic recovery by improving connectivity. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado announced that ADB will co-financed the construction of three (3) new bridges to help solve the increasingly severe traffic problem in Metro Manila. “A loan agreement with ADB is an exciting assurance of the construction of three (3) new climate and disaster resilient bridges as well as added training program to strengthen DPWH institutional capacity in bridge operation and maintenance”, said Secretary Mercado. The ceremonial exchange of the financing agreements between ADB and the Department of Finance (DOF) representing the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for the DPWH Metro Manila Bridges Project was held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Receiving the loan documents on behalf of the Philippine Government is Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez while receiving on behalf of the Asian Development Bank is Managing Director General Woochung Um. The exchange of documents was witnessed by DPWH Secretary Mercado; DOF Undersecretary Maria Edita Z. Tan; ADB Philippine Country Office Director Kelly Bird; and ADB Deputy Director General Winfried Wicklein. Also in attendance in the event held at DOF Podium Conference Room, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila were DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain; Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of DPWH UPMO - Bridges Management Cluster; ADB Alternate Executive Director Paul G. Dominguez; DOF Undersecretary Mark Dennis Y.C. Joven and Assistant Secretary Neil Cables; ADB Advisor to the Executive Director Ms. Tuya Darinchuluun; and other DOF, DPWH, and ADB officials. Loan Agreement 4168-PHI between the Philippine government and ADB amounting to 175 million-dollar will be utilized exclusively for the financing of the Metro Manila Bridges Project. The loan was approved by the ADB Board of Directors and signed by ADB and DOF last December 2021. As part of the overall Metro Manila Logistics Network with a total of 12 bridges being eyed over Pasig River, Marikina River, and the Manggahan Floodway, the ADB-assisted Metro Manila Bridges Project involves the construction of three (3) new bridges which is aimed at improving efficiency of road travel crossing Marikina River. These bridges are the Marcos Highway-Saint Mary Bridge (Formerly J.P. Rizal-St. Mary Bridge) with a total length of 1,582.6 meters including the main bridge length of 325 meters; Homeowners Drive-A. Bonifacio Ave. Bridge (Formerly J.P. Rizal-Lopez Jaena Bridge) with a total length of 691 meters including the main bridge length of 461.5 meters; and Kabayani-Matandang Balara Bridge (Formerly Marikina-Vista Real Bridge) with a total length of 723.2 meters including the main bridge length of 364 meters. To achieve seamless travel and connectivity, three (3) of the bridges in the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement were completed with one (1) due for opening on April 5, 2022, two (2) are in the procurement stage, and three (3) under financing negotiation. Completed across Pasig River are the Bonifacio Global City – Ortigas Center Link Road Project that involves the construction of a 4-lane Sta Monica to Lawton Bridge or Kalayaan Bridge, Estrella - Pantaleon Bridge, and Binondo - Intramuros Bridge. Secretary Mercado expressed confidence that the construction of new bridges in Marikina City will be effectively and expeditiously implemented by the team of Undersecretary Sadain in the UPMO Operations. According to Undersecretary Sadain, ADB is involved in other flagship infrastructure projects of DPWH such as the technical and financial assistance for the on-going detailed engineering design of Bataan – Cavite Interlink Bridge and Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, and the on-going civil works construction of Improving Growth Network – Mindanao Sector Improvement Project. These ADB-assisted big-ticket projects will ensure the sustainability of infrastructure development under Build, Build, Build Program even beyond the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Undersecretary Sadain said.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: The Department of Public Works and Highways The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) opened on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 the 680-meter Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Project crossing Pasig River in the City of Manila. No less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration ceremonies for the iconic bridge project, together with DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado. “The opening of Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is another testament of President Duterte’s political will to deliver in his term vital projects that will traffic ease congestion within Metro Manila,” said Secretary Mercado. The project is under the supervision of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations headed by Undersecretary and Build Build Build Program Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain. Binondo - Intramuros Bridge Project is a joint undertaking of the Philippine Government and People’s Republic of China. It is fully-funded through China-grant, along with the completed Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge. According to Secretary Mercado, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a basket-handle tied steel arch bridge that links Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive and Binondo at Rentas Street and Muelle dela Industria having a viaduct structure over Estero de Binondo. “Built with four (4) lanes measuring 21.65 meter-wide, this new bridge will cater to around 30,000 motorists, going in and out of Intramuros and Binondo daily,” said Secretary Mercado. Bike lanes with reflective thermoplastic road lines and protected sidewalks on both sides are also features of the project as part of DPWH’s program to build safe infrastructure for non-motorized road users. The new bridge also conforms to the standard design under DPWH seismic guidelines, criteria and specifications in an effort to make it resilient in the event of large magnitude earthquakes. “In the coming months, the public can expect a long list of pipeline flagship projects under Build Build Build Program started under the term of President Duterte to be completed and opened, that will lead to sustained inclusive growth for the benefit of our millions of Kababayans nationwide”, Undersecretary Sadain said.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: San Miguel Corporation - Design study from Palafox Associates for an elevated expressway along the Pasig River, incorporating dedicated bus lanes and pedestrian and bicycle lanes San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to build the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) as a safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure crucial for an inclusive recovery and growth beyond the pandemic. SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that building the 19.37-kilometer road that will link the eastern and western sections of Metro Manila--from Rizal province to the City of Manila--will complement its P2 billion, five-year rehabilitation effort for the historic tributary that already started in July last year to mitigate its impact on the environment. “In all our major infrastructure projects, we always take into consideration the effects on the environment, putting greater emphasis on how we can build the infrastructure while at the same time preserve or enhance the environment. We engage all stakeholders and in particular, partner with local communities to ensure environmental measures and mitigations are successful for the long-term,” Ang said. PAREX will be a hybrid infrastructure that can be used by motorists, public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians, to further enhance accessibility and traffic decongestion, while encouraging multiple modes of transportion. It’s design will also incorporate green architecture principles. Ang bared that the country’s top urban planner and green architect, Arch. Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., through his firm, Palafox Associates, has signed on to help with the sustainable design for the project. “We share the vision of SMC and Mr. Ramon S. Ang for sustainable infrastructure. For many decades we have been emphasizing green architecture and green urbanism in our projects in the Philippines and abroad. For the PAREX project, our approach will be the same, we are designing not just infrastructure, but an urban landscape. We are promoting sustainability through architecture, with a holistic vision,” said Palafox. “Mr. Ang already has so many good ideas, including incorporating green modes of transportation. Our job is make sure these ideas--pedestrian pathways, bicycle highways, landscaped planting strip, public transport, are integrated seamlessly into the PAREX,” he added. “We believe that if done right and in line with sustainability and green architecture principles, the PAREX will be a model road infrastructure that further democratizes the benefits and convenience of infrastructure. These are the types of infrastructure we will need in the future--adaptable to the growing and changing needs of our people,” Ang said. He also touted plans to put up a Bus Rapid Transit on the PAREX and the existing Skyway system, which will interconnect, completing the north-to-south and east-to-west connection throughout Metro Manila. This, he said, will enable faster, more reliable, safer, comfortable and affordable commutes for many Filipinos. Ang said that with this, people will spend lesser time spent stand-still traffic, which exacerbates pollution. Meanwhile, the chief executive reported that its ongoing Pasig River clean-up initiative has also ready yielded some 295,260 metric tons of silt and solid waste since it started middle of last year. SMC maintains its target daily output of at least 2,000 metric tons of waste, to meet the monthly target of at least 50,000 metric tons, for a total of 600,000 metric tons extracted every year. Ang said that the company’s ongoing rehabilitation effort is in response to government’s call for the private sector to help clean major tributaries in line with Manila Bay rehabilitation project that began in 2019. “The government, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has done an excellent job in rehabilitating the Pasig River in recent years. We are helping take these efforts to next level, by deepening and widening the river, to enable it to carry more floodwaters, especially during rainy season. Through this, we will reduce incidences of severe flooding that has affected many cities located near the Pasig River,” he added. Ang emphasized: “Rehabilitating the river does not only involve dredging and removing visible wastes especially plastics that eventually go to the sea. It is only part of the solution. What is needed isa more a holistic approach, which will involve building a sewage system that would prevent it from being the dumping area of industrial and solid wastes.” “We are committed clean the Pasig River and we are happy that more and more people see its value. In particular, NYK of Japan has joined our efforts and committed $1.2 million worth of equipment and we expect the equipment to arrive by April,” Ang said. Ang said that as of now, two shallow portions of the river are the primary focus. These are the mouth of river near the Manila Bay, and the area at the Marikina River junction. “We’re also prioritizing the Marikina River junction as this section acts as sort of. a bottleneck, where water flowing from the Marikina river is restricted , therefore becoming a partial cause of the massive flooding in areas upstream of the Marikina river,” Ang said. Dredging the Marikina River section can also help reduce the peak water flows that normally go into the Laguna Lake through the Manggahan Floodway, and reduce flooding experienced by many lakeside towns in Rizal and Laguna provinces, Ang said. Ang added that thus far, SMC has made significant progress in deepening portions of the Pasig River, particularly sections of the river in Pandacan/Sta.Mesa, Paco/San Miguel area. According to hydrographic or depth surveys before and after dredging, sections that only measure two to three meters in depth are now more than five to six meters deep. “We are confident that in the coming rainy seasons, the increased capacity of the river will reduce flooding in many areas in Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, and Manila. And if ever these will be flooding, it can quickly subside in just a few hours,” Ang said. “This was our experience in the ongoing Tullahan River rehabilitation. To date, our extraction output there has reached 825,142 metric tons and with more personnel and equipment, we expect to hit the one-million mark before or by June this year. According to feedback from local government units, including Valenzuela, flooding has subsided faster than usual in their areas,”said Ang about the P1-billion Tullahan River rehabilitation effort that started in June 2020.    Article courtesy of San Miguel Corporation

Photo credit: The Department of Public Works and Highways The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the successful launching of one (1) of the four (4) open box-shaped pre-cast concrete assembly on top of six (6) underwater pile foundation for the main bridge pylon of the 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge Project in Northern Mindanao. In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that the prestressed-concrete (PC) house for main bridge pylon 2 was successfully installed and mounted with welded brackets on permanent steel casing or outer circumferential surface of the pile to prevent the movement of the PC housing. Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations implementing large-scale flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build program, explained that the prefabricated PC house will be the foundation for the two (2) pylons each with six (6) piles and piers 17 and 18 with four (4) piles each which are the substructure of the project’s main bridge or the highest segment where marine vessel such as ship could pass underneath. Waterproof sealing are ongoing to ensure the watertightness between pile and boxlike PC house as this will then filled inside with cast concrete to act as cofferdam or strong foundation to make them stable against various forces which are likely to act on the structure, Undersecretary Sadain reported This engineering process is to reduce the construction period, secure the concrete quality, and improve the constructability of substructure. The first PC house, constructed at the fabrication yard in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte and transferred to the marine site using a floating heavy duty crane on barge, was inspected off-shore Panguil Bay on March 26, 2022 by Undersecretary Sadain with Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 2 (Multilateral). Also present in the inspection of the on-going flagship project connecting Tubod, Lanao Del Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental are Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral), Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of UPMO Bridges Management Cluster, and Project Manager Mike Ramos. Given the previous significant disruptions in the project construction activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, DPWH UPMO is committed to further increase its effort to fast-track the completion of the iconic bridge project which will soon be the longest in Mindanao. Other on-going activities include bored piling works of remaining six (6) of the total 54 units, PC house fabrication, rebar cage installation, abutment rebar and form installation, and pier cap concrete pouring. The P7.375 Billion inter-island bridge project to connect Tangub City and Tubod across Panguil Bay in just seven (7) minutes is funded by a loan agreement between Government of the Philippines (GOP) and Korean Export-Import Bank (Korea Eximbank). Under contract with Korean firm Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumgwang Joint Venture, the project is targetted for completion by December 2023.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, which is implementing the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, now conducts simultaneous tunneling activities at northbound and southbound directions on north portal of the project’s road mountain tunnel component. In his report to Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary for UPMO Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that works for the north portal’s northbound direction is now underway that will ramp-up project progress to catch-up on the late arrivals of special equipment/machineries and Japanese experts due to movement restrictions and delayed issuance of travel permits because of the pandemic. Included in the list of flagship infrastructure projects of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Build Build Build Program, the bypass road will mitigate congestions in Davao City with the travel time between Brgy. Sirawan in Toril District Davao City and Brgy. J.P. Laurel in Panabo City of 1 hour and 44 minutes via Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road to be reduced into 49 minutes via Davao City Bypass. It is expected that the start up of excavation work at the northbound direction of the north portal will significantly speed up project delivery, Undersecretary Sadain reported. Construction of the soundbound direction was earlier started on November 2021 and has more than 60 meters of road tunnel excavated with shotcrete, steel ribs and rockbolts. The group of Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka led by Project Director Akira Mito is undertaking the construction of contract package 1-1 covering 10.7 kilometers of four-lane highway, inclusive of the 2.3 kilometer tunnel that has a diameter of 10 meters. According to Undersecretary Sadain, the soon to be first-ever long-distance mountain tunnel in the Philippines was designed to have better seismic resiliency. This is one of the largest and most important infrastructure project of the President Duterte administration in Mindanao towards the attainment of national development goals of “Ambisyon Natin 2040: Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay”. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Sadain in his project inspection on March 11, 2022 reminded the contractors and consultants, to put primordial importance to safety management especially that the project, which also seeks to promote transfer of Japanese technology and expertise, is highly complex and have many risk-prone activities like excavation and lining, transportation of materials, drilling, handling of tunnel machinery, etc. With various groups interested to see the development of the tunnel, the basic aspect of safety such as safe distance, wearing of personal protective equipment, lighting, ventilation, and other safety and health protocols at workplace shall always be observed, added Undersecretary Sadain. Progress of the on-going bored piling works for the Davao River Bridge was also checked by Undersecretary Sadain together with UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, former Project Director Virgilio C. Castillo, Project Manager Joselito B. Reyes and Engr. Earl Nicholas F. Rada, and the engineering consultants from Nippon Koei – Katahira - Nippon Engineering - Philkoei. The entire 45.5-kilometer bypass road is divided into six (6) packages: package I-1 (10.7 km), package I-2 (12.8 km), package I-3 (6.1 km), package II-1 (2.7 km), package II-2 (3.5 km), and package II-3 (9.7 km). Davao City Bypass Construction Project is funded by the Japanese Official Development Assistance under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency under Loan Agreement Nos. PH-P261 and PH-P273.

Photo credit: Department of Transportation  Some 30.55 percent of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is already complete, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said on Tuesday. “Despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, again, back-to-back to back major milestones were still realized despite all odds,” Batan said during an inspection of the MMSP’s Valenzuela depot. He said 576 out of the 6,400 tunnel rings needed for the partial operability segment of the MMSP have been completed, with more underway at the MMSP’s 7.5-hectare fabrication yard in Norzagaray, Bulacan. The DOTr has acquired 197,000 square meters of land and 585 structures from 324 property owners as part of the project’s right-of-way acquisition. Despite this, he said there has been no “forced eviction resettlement” of the 183 informal settler families affected by the project through the help of the Valenzuela City government. Through a right-of-way agreement signed with the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND-AFP) in December 2020, he said the MMSP will make use of 50,000 square meters of DND-AFP land, with an additional 60,000 square meters of land for tunneling works, and additional 55,000 square meters of land for temporary works. “This partnership forged between the DND-AFP and DOTr, under the leadership of Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana and Secretary [Arthur] Tugade, will not only enable DOTr to fast track its access to construction and work sites needed for the subway but will also give DND and the AFP a fair and recurring source of resources,” Batan said. He said the first two out of 25 tunnel boring machines to be used in the project arrived in February 2021 while the PHP66 billion contract for the MMSP’s electromechanical systems has been awarded to Mitsubishi Corporation in October 2021 The PHP27 billion contract for 240 subway train cars was awarded to the J-Trec-Sumitomo Joint Venture in December 2020. “With today's inspection of the MMSP, we are showing how decades of ‘plan, plan, plan,’ how decades of ‘drawing, drawing, drawing,’ and how decades of talk, talk, talk’ have changed to ‘Build, Build, Build,’” Batan said. The MMSP will be the country’s first underground railway system and will provide mass transit in the National Capital Region (NCR)—from Valenzuela City to FTI in Taguig City, Parañaque City, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City, and will further extend to the north and south of NCR. With 17 stations—two of which are interoperable with the North-South Commuter Railway line—the MMSP is seen to reduce travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes. By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz   Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expressed confidence that the opening of Binondo - Intramuros Bridge Project will provide immediate impact of easing traffic especially with many people begin working on-site as Metro Manila shifted back to alert level 1. Secretary Roger G. Mercado said that Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain is making sure that if good weather stays, the Binondo - Intramuros Bridge project will be opened to traffic this coming Holy Week. This flagship infrastructure project under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build Program is expected to benefit approximately 30,000 vehicles daily passing between the two (2) busy districts of Intramuros and Binondo in Manila. Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, visited once again the construction site on Friday, March 4, 2022 with government and private engineers and construction workers continuing the effort to beat the target opening and fully finished the project at the soonest time possible. “Pretty soon, people can drive, walk, bike, or run across this iconic bridge”, said Undersecretary Sadain. The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Project involves construction of 680 linear meter two (2)-way four (4)-lane bridge connecting historic district of Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive with the bustling district of Binondo at Rentas Street/Plaza del Conde Street and Muelle dela Industria. Funded by a grant from Government of China, the project is under contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation. Its basket-handle tied steel arch main bridge over Pasig River is expected to become the new symbol of time-honored friendship between China and the Philippines. The project is being implemented by UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) headed by Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista with Project Manager Melchor Kabiling as project in-charge. This bridge project in support of Metro Manila Logistics Network Program is currently about 96.8 percent complete, with workers focus on constructing the approaches on a fill and compacted embankment to allow the roadway to meet the elevation of the bridge. Other workers have started doing finishing works on the bridge structure including painting of steels, installation of guardrails and other safety components for motorists, pedestrians, runners and cyclists. Construction of the new bridge adopted new project techniques utilizing prefabricated bridge elements with high performance materials sourced directly from China. The project previously encountered delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and right of way problems.

Photo credit: The Department of Public Works and Highways The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Secretary Roger G. Mercado met with interested stakeholders in the first interagency steering committee for the Detailed Engineering Design (D.E.D.) of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project. The first convening of the interagency committee on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 provided local leaders of Bataan and Cavite and other stakeholders the opportunity to express their concerns as the detailed engineering design works for this DPWH flagship infrastructure project is now at 34 percent based on February 2022 progress report. The interagency committee, chaired by Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain with Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 2 as deputy chair, was created in 2021 under Department Order No. 91 to ensure efficient project implementation and provide guidance and resolve issues/constraints that may arise during the course of the D.E.D. activities. The intentions of this interagency meeting is to pool issues and concerns of all stakeholders wanting to share with the DPWH and the Consultants team to anticipate some possible challenges as we go with the detailed engineering design that will be completed by early 2023, said Undersecretary Sadain. In his message, Secretary Mercado expressed confidence that this flagship infrastructure project of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration that has been delayed by the pandemic will definitely be continued in the next administration. Earlier, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Kelly Bird affirmed the Bank’s 100 percent commitment to DPWH projects they are working on including the Bataan Cavite Interlink Project not only for the D.E.D. stage as he has high hopes that the project will commence very soon. DPWH has already requested the Department of Finance to initiate the application of loan from ADB to fund the civil works. Back in 2018, DPWH team led by Undersecretary Sadain and ADB met together to talk about how ADB can help DPWH in its infrastructure programs and among the projects that came up was the Bataan Cavite Interlink Bridge. According to Undersecretary Sadain, Chief Implementer of flagship infrastructure projects under Build Build Build Program, the planned project is so significant that it yielded the highest internal economic rate of return at 34.17 percent when its feasibility study was conducted that is very unusual for a flagship project to have this kind of EIRR contrary to other proposed interlink bridges. The project is hugely transformative for the Philippines, transformative for Bataan and Cavite because it will improve connectivity and open up economic opportunities for these provinces. It will not only have economic impact but will also build strong family ties as more time can be spent with their love ones and also enables more people to see the beauty of Bataan and experience history of our country while enjoying beautiful scenery of clear water, added Secretary Mercado. The forum was attended by Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia; Bataan 2nd District Representative Jose Enrique Garcia III; Engr. Gilbert Gandia representing Cavite Governor Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla Jr.; DPWH Acting Undersecretary Constante Llanes Jr.; DPWH Project Managers Teresita Bauzon and Soledad Florencio; Bureau Directors; and among other representatives from different agencies. Governor Garcia said that project will not only connect Bataan to Cavite but also connect Region 3 to Region 4A and therefore connecting to National Capital Region, three (3) of the fastest growing regions in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Congressman Garcia said that this connectivity project has been a long time dream of the people of Bataan that is inching closer to its implementation very soon. Although limited activities to move around and release of requirements were hampered because of the pandemic, nonetheless, the Consultants were able to undertake some early survey works especially on the land approaches for both Bataan and Cavite. Some recalibration of timeline were done for the D.E.D. of Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project funded by the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF)-Additional Financing ADB Loan No. 3886-PHL and under contract with the Consultant, T.Y. Lin International in joint with Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants, Ltd. in association with Renardet S.A and DCCD.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

 The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had an overview of the activity plans and methodologies for the proposed construction of a new expressway that will connect the southern province of Laguna to Metro Manila via Laguna Lake. In his report to DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that the kick off meeting held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and Consultants undertaking detailed engineering design (D.E.D.) activities provided the avenue for discussion in moving forward the technical, economical, social, and environmental aspects in the development of the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project. The LLRN Project–Phase 1 covering Laguna Lake’s western side covers the construction of a 37.6 kilometers mainline road, 6.1 kilometers local connecting roads, and 7.3 kilometers interchanges and slip roads that stretches from Lower Bicutan all the way to Calamba City in Laguna. The project, consists of viaduct and embankment, will have eight ( interchanges, namely: Sucat, Alabang, Tunasan, San Pedro/Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba. The meeting highlights the plans and strategies on how the government can smoothly implement this flagship infrastructure project under build build build program that will strengthen road transport efficiency between Metro Manila and the neighboring province of Laguna to facilitate economic development, added Undersecretary Sadain. The kick-off meeting in Alabang, Muntinlupa City was participated by LLDA General Manager Jaime C. Medina and Assistant General Manager Generoso M. Dungo; DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Roads Management Cluster 2 Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim; Bureau of Design OIC Director Edwin Matanguihan; Project Manager Soledad Florencio, Overall DPWH Project Manager for Asian Devlopment Bank (ADB)-funded Projects, Project Manager Zenaida B. Mauhay, LLRN Project Team Leader; Project Manager Sol Abasa; and other LLDA and DPWH LLRN team members. With the Consultant’s Service Contract for the D.E.D. signed on November 2021 by Secretary Mercado, the team from CTI Engineering International Co. Ltd. in joint venture with Chodai Company Limited, Oriental Consultants Global Company Limited, and Nippon Engineering Consultants Company Limited, in association with Angel Lazaro & Associates International, DCCD Enginering Corporation, TCGI Engineers and KRC Environmental Services which started their activities on December 2021 provided informative updates during the meeting. According to Undersecretary Sadain, discussion with the stakeholders on vital issues and concerns at this early stage will prevent challenges that may arise in the future implementation of the project. The D.E.D. will be carried out for 15 months between December 2021 to February 2023 with generous technical and financial support from the ADB via the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF) under loan number 3886-PHI. Upon strong representation of DPWH-UPMO Operations headed by Undersecretary Sadain, LLRN Project was approved by the NEDA Board through an Ad Referendum in October 2021. Meanwhile, Japanese experts representing LLRN Phase 2 at the eastern side under feasibility study stage also joined the meeting via video teleconference platform. LLRN Phases 1 and 2 will form the outer ring high standard highway for the Laguna de Bay that will provide a faster and safer alternative for motorists traveling north or south.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado emphasized that overall preparedness of DPWH implementing offices will enable maximum utilization of funds allocated for the Department in Fiscal Year 2022. While budget to complete our several high-impact projects under the multi-year program is insufficient, the least we could do is to see to it that available money allocated in the Central Office and different Regions will be spent, Secretary Mercado said during the DPWH Unified Directors’ Meeting. The meeting held February 24, 2022 in San Fernando City, La Union was attended by all the DPWH Management Committee members led by Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, 16 Regional Directors, 6 Bureau Directors, 9 Service Directors and 6 Project Directors. The DPWH Chief lauded DPWH Regional Office 1 as the top performing region in the implementation of 2021 regular infrastructure program and for leading efficiency in project spending of FY 2022 Budget. Let me congratulate Regional Director Ronnel M. Tan and his men and women for the timely delivery of significant number of construction projects in 2021 and the early showing of efficiency in the utilization of budgetary resources/appropriations made in the 2022 General Appropriations Act, Secretary Mercado said. Secretary Mercado added that implementing units that are performers, can absorb the money, and able to find right ways and means to facilitate timely imlementation and completion of priority projects like DPWH Regional Office 1 should be given more budget in 2023 so that people will be able to reap the benefits of these infrastructure. Secretary Mercado also cited Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain as he continuously monitor and evaluate progress of flagship infrastructure projects on the ground, hands-on and able to compare report with actual development in the field, and eventually provide action to problems or delays on the early stage. The thrust in the budget would be the maximum utilization of fund allocations by the implementing offices. As an affirmation of an established cohesive and hard-working DPWH organization in Region 1, Pangasinan Second District Engineering Office (DEO) headed by District Engineer Marieta B. Mendoza and Pangasinan 4th DEO under District Engineer Simplicio D. Gonzales have shown the effectivity and efficiency in managing financial resources by making it in the Top 10 DEOs with highest rank in Absorptive Capacity as of end of January 2022, placing second and ninth, respectively. DPWH is preparing to submit a new proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget with emphasis on the national mandate for highways that will ensure the overall growth and development of the Philippines. The Regional Offices and Project Management Offices were instructed by the Office of the Secretary to submit budget estimates which they can actually spend. Meanwhile, Secretary Mercado cautioned DPWH men and women and the public against individuals or groups soliciting and conducting fundraising activities for candidates in the 2022 national elections. Secretary Mercado clarified that he has no campaign fund-raising activity nor has given permission to anyone under the Office of the Secretary to spearhed and engage in unauthorized and illegal money solicitation. Since there is a coming election, there is no one in the Department who is authorized to namedrop the Secretary or the President to raise funds from contractors or businessmen for the election, warned Secretary Mercado.

Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and NLEX Corporation conducted an inspection of the ongoing 8-kilometer NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project that will extend NLEX Southward from Segment 10 to Skyway Stage 3. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut representing Secretary Roger G. Mercado, visited the on-going construction of the second section of NLEX Connector at España, Manila. According to Senior Undersecretary Yabut, MNTC reported that the project which will serve as the first connector toll road for all vehicles including heavy trucks, is now almost halfway-finished with 45 percent of civil works completed. The project inspection was also attended by DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral, Assistant Secretary Wilfredo Mallari, Director Constante Llanes Jr., and Director Alex Bote. Section 1 which is the 5.15-kilometer segment from C3, Caloocan to España, Manila is now 64.5 percent complete while the 2.75-kilometer Section 2 from España, Manila to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila is now 3.1 percent complete. When completed, the elevated road will reduce travel time from SLEX to NLEX to just 20 minutes and benefit at least 35,000 motorists/vehicles per day. Using the 4-lane toll road, travel time from Clark to Calamba will be reduced from approximately 3 hours to 1 hour and 40 minutes. The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project which costs P23.2 Billion began construction in May 2019. It is expected to be opened by the third quarter of 2023.