The Department of Public Works and Highways is now assisting in the elimination of disease and death-causing novel coronavirus or COVID-19 with a nationwide disinfection program along major national highways.
Secretary Mark A. Villar said that DPWH has launched the nationwide disinfection operation with the setting up of sanitation/disinfection stations along vital national roads and at entrance gate of every DPWH offices as the Department continues to operate on skeletal work force.
A total of 289 sanitation tents were already put up by the combined efforts of 16 Regional and 184 District Engineering Offices nationwide for DPWH personnel to carry disinfection procedures for people and vehicles as they may carry virus and infectious diseases, said Secretary Villar.
Based on monitoring reports as of 12NN March 26, 2020 from DPWH Covid-19 Committee chaired by Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, the number of sanitation tents applying disinfecting procedures are the following: Cordillera Administrative Region - 18, Region 1 - 35, Region 2 - 7; Region 3 - 4, Region 4A - 65, Region 4B - 18, Region 5 - 16, Region 6 - 18, Region 7 - 15, Region 8 - 17, Region 9 - 14, Region 10 - 43, Region 11 - 3, Region 12 - 8, and Region 13 - 8.
To protect from virus transmission, DPWH staff manning the sanitation tents are provided with personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, gloves, rubber boots and safety goggles.
There are also 21 gantry facilities installed along major routes by DPWH as means of controlling or eliminating the virus being transported by vehicles along the highways with four (4) locates in NCR, eight (8) in Region 1, six (6) in Region 2, and three (3) in Region 6 situated near COVID-19 checkpoint areas. DPWH personnel are also managing the smooth flow of traffic in these gantry sites.
In close coordination with the Department of Health, DPWH field units avail the DOH procured disinfectant solution for use in these sanitation stations and gantry sites.
"DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices nationwide are closely coordinating with national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to offer our service in any way that we can. Right now, we are beginning to set up sanitation tents and stations to at least minimize the spread of virus," said Secretary Villar.
"This disinfection operation will continue for the whole duration of the enhanced community quarantine, beyond if necessary," Secretary Villar added.