SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) based in the province’s second district has reported the successful completion of its infrastructure development program, particularly the improvement and maintenance of national highways, flood control and water development systems. With a total fund allocation of more than P75.5 million for 2006, Ernesto C. Faraon, acting district engineer of the DPWH second engineering district, said they were able to stretch their budget resulting in better services to the public. Under the department’s regular infrastructure program, Faraon noted that the district office improved about 1.526 kilometers of national roads, completed one flood control project and implemented at least six other projects under the initiative of Rep. Imee R. Marcos (2nd district, Ilocos Norte). In an effort to provide water services in some remote areas of the province and as part of the national government’s target to provide clean and safe water to all barangays, the acting district engineer added that his engineering district was able to install nine water supply projects in the different barangays of Badoc, Batac, Nueva Era, Pinili and Banna. The DPWH projects also included the completed construction of five classrooms with another two classrooms remain to be completed. These projects were funded by the Department of Education, Faraon said. Aside from the implementation of these projects, a total of 216.375 kilometers of national roads and 3,183.68 linear meters of national bridges were also maintained. Meanwhile, at least two billboards had been dismantled by the DPWH after discovering that these pose hazard to the riding public as well as in adjacent properties where they are located. The dismantling of the billboards is pursuant to Administrative Order No. 160, issued by the DPWH after several billboards in Metro Manila claimed innocent lives due to faulty construction. In addition to this, a total of 205 signage within the road right-of-way limits were removed to prevent vehicular accidents. In 2006, major projects of the DPWH second engineering district included the replacement of deteriorated concrete pavement along the Manila north road in the Batac-San Nicolas section, concrete replacement of the Pinili-Nueva Era road and the concreting of the Batac-Pinili road. Leilanie G. Adriano
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