CENTRAL MINDANAO FOLKS THANKED DPWH FOR FAST ACTION ON FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS

The Mindanao River Basin Task Force (MRBTF), composed of
representatives from the local government and non-government units from
Central Mindanao had recently expressed their gratitude over the
immediate response and assistance of the Department of Public Works and
Highways in the recent flood incidents of areas brought by heavy
monsoon rains.

Mr. Solomon Badoy, Director of MRBTF said that the speedy response of
the DPWH had lessened the damages of life and property over the flood
affected towns in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

"After the downpour of heavy rains, the DPWH maintenance and emergency
crew had immediately been deployed to conduct repair works on damaged
infrastructure and conduct manual clearing of waterways to prevent the
build-up of water lilies, which is the main cause of swelling in Ala
and Simuay River> "> Badoy said.

Meanwhile, DPWH Region 12 Director Sinaolan Macarambon said that in
coordination with the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council, the
Department is also conducting"Sagip Tao", an operation that includes
the deployment of dump trucks and DPWH Shuttle Bus to transport flood
affected residents to evacuation areas.

"We are now planning to put up a satellite office in Matampay Bridge so
that the Department can conduct a round the clock monitoring of water
level and river condition. I also instructed some of our maintenance
and equipments crew to stay near the bridge location," Macarambon said.

Macarambon added that the Department had been assisting with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Mindanao Economic
Development Committee during the transportation of relief goods to the
evacuation areas.