LEGAZPI CITY- A NEW DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH) Bicol director has formally assumed as head of the public works agency on Thurs. (July 30), after turn-over ceremonies held at the regional office here, led by DPWH Sec. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
Former DPWH central office Bureau of Design Director Danny Manalang has taken over the post of regional director Orlando Roces, who has opted for an early retirement at 63, years-old and with 41-years of service in the public works agency.
With the installation of Manalang as new Bikol chief of the public works, Sec. Ebdane told newsmen during the turn-over rites, that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has directed the DPWH in Bikol to complete the implementation of the P 2-Billion "pump-priming project" in the region. This involves the continuing reconstruction and asphalting works in the 64- kilometer Andaya Highway, stretching from Sipocot, Cam. Sur to the boundary of Tagkawayan, Quezon; and the component works of the DPWH in the Bicol River Basin and Water Management Project (BRBWMP) by 2010.
With the nearly P 3-Billion in fund releases for the continuing rehabilitation of the Andaya Highway started sometime in 2006, Ebdane has directed Manalang to fast-track the delayed works on the almost completed sections of the Andaya Highway. (SONNY SALES)