The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday reported that the construction of key infrastructure projects remained in full swing in 2021, which reduced travel time, ensured the safety of motorists, and protected lives and properties.
In a statement, DPWH Acting Secretary Roger Mercado said they have completed the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of 4,097 kilometers of roads, 510 bridges, and 1,593 flood control structures from January to December 2021.
He added that priority infrastructure projects produced some 1.6 million jobs.
The DPWH also facilitated the completion of 4,244 classrooms and 82 school workshop buildings, and other school facilities.
Some 108 evacuation centers throughout the country were also completed.
“With the threat of the pandemic still looming, DPWH still managed to attain numerous achievements in our mission to provide quality infrastructure to the Filipino people,” Mercado added.
He said President Rodrigo R. Duterte emerged as the country’s “Infrastructure President” having completed from June 2016 to December 2021 the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of 34,291 kilometers of roads; 6,656 bridges; and 13,224 flood control structures.
Aside from building infrastructures, the DPWH is also part of the government’s fight against coronavirus disease 2019.
It has built 736 quarantine facilities with 28,195 beds for the treatment of infected individuals, 29 modular hospitals with 595 beds and 55 off-site dormitories for health workers with 1,444 beds, by the end of December.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, who is in charge of DPWH Regional Operations, said the agency is looking forward to conquering 2022 filled with challenges, opportunities, and victories.
“With the humble desire to be of service and to lend a helping hand even in trying times, DPWH men and women have proven in the aftermath of a disaster like the Typhoon Odette on December 2021 and Taal Volcano eruption on January 2020 the willingness to face any risk in the name of fulfilling duties and serving the public,” he said. (PNA)
