Amid the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic all over the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 4B reported the completion of vital infrastructure projects in the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, not to mention the island groups in Calamian (north), Dumaran - Cuyo (northeast) and Balabac - Bugsuk (south) islands of Palawan and the islands of Tablas and Sibuyan in Romblon for the year 2021.
Citing a report from DPWH Regional Office 4B Director Gerald A. Pacanan, DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado said that the highlights of accomplishment in the Region include the rehabilitation of 181.548 lane kilometers of national roads amounting to P2.39 Billion; construction and improvement of three (3) bridges, namely: replacement of Punong Bridge and approach, construction of concrete bridge in San Jose, Romblon, and Aglubang Bridge with a total cost of P174.68 Million.
To mitigate flooding in some areas in the Region, DPWH Region IV-B undertook 19 flood control structures through the construction, repair or maintenance of dikes, seawalls, river control, revetments, drainage mains, waterways and other similar structures with a total value of P1.60 Billion.
DPWH MIMAROPA also completed four (4) major building projects which are: Police Commissioned Officer’s Quartering Facility, Non-Police Commissioned Officer’s Quartering Facility, Balabas Military (Phase II), and Mindoro Heritage Museum amounting to P93.71 Million.
This year, DPWH aims to fast track remaining projects under tne 2021 and 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) which include the construction of COVID-19 isolation/quarantine facilities, four (4) in Southern Mindoro and seven (7) in Palawan First District.
"We recognize that one (1) of the main setbacks of our office is the geographical locations of some island provinces. However, we vow to implement programmed projects most especially in these areas to boost local trade and commerce as well as support the tourism industry of the entire region," said Director Pacanan.