SAN JOSE, Antique – Roads, bridges and public buildings are being monitored by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the safety of structures for public use especially in times of disaster.
District Engineer Joselito Antonio said DPWH maintenance section is taking the lead in disaster reduction and management and has organized a quick response team.
He assured the public that national roads and bridges in Antique are safe.
During heavy rainfall, there are portions with road slips and landslides but the maintenance section of DPWH has a response team that will immediately work to restore the road networks, said Antonio.
During calamities, DPWH is conducting immediate assessment and dispatched teams to undertake the repair when needed.
As part of the disaster preparedness activity, Antonio and other employees undertook the earthquake drill at the DPWH Office during the recent nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill, in partnership with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Leoderick Benetiz of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council enjoined the employees of DPWH to take the drill seriously to be prepared in any eventuality.
He emphasized the basics of dock, cover and hold and the movement going to the evacuation area.
Benetiz also reminded them of the 1948 Lady Caycay earthquake which hit the province; a similar quake could still happen.
“If the people in Manila are preparing for the Big One, we also have the reason to be prepared with the experience of the strong quake in 1948,” said Benetiz.
Antonio thanked the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for successful conduct of the drill. (Pilar S. Mabaquiao, PIA-Antique/PN)
