Additional new units of high performance construction machinery can now be utilized by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 to supplement its existing heavy equipment for clearing operations.
DPWH-8 recently received from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) a total of 17 new heavy machines under the Rehabilitation and Recovery Program for typhoon Yolanda. Seven (7) units of dump trucks; three (3) hydraulic excavators (wheel type); two (2) hydraulic excavators (crawler type); two (2) units of payloaders; two (2) units of pneumatic concrete crushers and one (1) motor grader were turned over by JICA Chief Coordinator Kenichi Shirouzo to DPWH-8 Regional Director Rolando M. Asis.
According to Asis, the additional equipment donated by the Japanese government would enhance the capability of the DPWH regional office in responding to future emergencies or calamities of the likes of typhoon Yolanda.
“One of the reasons why JICA donated us with these machines is because they are made aware of the challenges we’ve encountered clearing the roads in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda with inadequate and very old equipment,” added Asis.
For their part, the regional director vowed to properly handle and maintain the heavy machinery for long term use and to prevent break down, hence avoiding costly repairs.
“On behalf of Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and the DPWH Region 8 personnel who will be using theses equipment, we thank the Japanese government for giving us the opportunity to further improve our service to our kababayans,” ended Asis.