"Pepeng" Destroys P 56- Million Worth of Bikol Infra

LEGAZPI CITY (8 October) - WITH THE REPORTS concluded yesterday (Oct.7) on the clearing of landslides in Catanduanes province as a result of heavy rains brought by typhoon "Pepeng" in Bikol, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here has summed damages to infrastructures in the three affected provinces in Bikol at an estimated P 56- Million Pesos.

DPWH Asst. Regional Director Jaime Martinez told Vox Bikol that clearing operations on several landslides along the Circumferential Road leading to the capital town of Virac, Catanduanes were extensively cleared on Tuesday (October 6).

Heavy rains last Oct. 2, triggered landslides along the national highway in the towns of San Miguel, Pandan, Caramoran, San Andres and a partially cleared highway with a wash-out box-culvert in Bagamanok town.

Meanwhile, 120-meters of road pavement have settled as a result of softening ground at the Westcoast Road at the Dumalagan section in Libon, Albay; Albay DPWH 2^nd Engineering district engineer Efren Manalo has directed maintenance work in filling up with aggregates the affected section of the highway.

The DPWH Regional Maintenance Section under Engineer Antonio Saguinsin reported that damages in Albay were placed at P 17-Million; partial report for Catanduanes stated around P 5-Million while P 34-Million in Camarines Sur province.

In the meantime, DPWH Regional Director Danilo C. Manalang bared that Puro Seawall Phases I and II in Legazpi City were formally inaugurated during President Arroyo's brief visit last week.

Manalang said the projects are part of the 4.085-km. Legazpi City Coastal Road that traverses the villages of Dapdap, Puro, Lamba and Victory Village, and is implemented by the DPWH regional office and the Albay first engineering district at the amount of P 70- Million. (SONNY SALES)