The Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) conducted site inspection of Magapit Suspension Bridge using drone cameras.
The recent demonstration at the Magapit Bridge in Lallo, Cagayan was observed by representatives from DPWH Central and Regional Offices nationwide including media members.
DPWH Bureau of Construction Assistant Director Aristarco Doroy explained that the site inspection activity on special bridge such as Magapit Bridge is part of the implementation of the project “Improvement on Quality Management for Highways and Bridge Construction and Maintenance, Phase III or JICA-TCP III).
In his message, DPWH Region II Director Melanio C. Briosos said that the drone equipment will significantly improve planning, designing and monitoring of infrastructure projects of the Department.
Hideo Nagao, Team Leader of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) specialist group emphasized that the used of drone technology aside from providing high resolution geo-tagged photos and videos also reduces inspection time and risk to bridge inspectors as it will no longer require bridge inspection vehicles thereby reducing traffic disturbances.
According to drone controller Joel Cruz, rotary and fixed wing type drones provides in depth aerial inspection, control point survey, area mapping and close up image acquisition.
Meanwhile, DPWH Region II advises motorists and commuters that effective May 28, 2017, only light vehicles will be allowed to pass the Buntun Bridge along Cagayan-Apayao Road in Tuguegarao City while repair works are not yet completed.
Heavy vehicles are advised to take the Daang Maharlika Road.