DPWH highlights Aklan infra projects in time for SONA

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (30 July) — Three major infrastructure projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here since 2001 when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo became President were highlighted by the department as completed projects.

A picture of Ibajay Bridge, inaugurated here by PGMA in June 2008 before Typhoon Frank struck Aklan took a prominent space in the two-page list of DPWH-completed projects since 2001 published in a national newspaper July 27 in time with PGMA’s 9th State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The two other major infrastructure projects in Aklan cited as completed include the Kalibo-Nabas Road, ADB sixth Road Project (Structural Overlay Component), 39.54 kilometers; and Culasi-Nabas Road, Aklan and Antique, ADB Six Road Project (Structural Overlay Component),44.31 kilometers, both implemented in 2005.

The Ibajay Bridge is 246 lm double lane leads to the Caticlan Jetty Port where commercial ships and RORO boats dock. Caticlan is the jump-off point to Boracay Island. It is a UK Steel Truss located 63 meters downstream of the existing bridge at Brgy. Polo, Ibajay, Aklan along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) at Aklan West Road.

According to the DPWH, in the 21st century under the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the department has harnessed resources and manpower to put stone and steel to work to Drive Development Through Responsive and Responsible Public Works.

The DPWH has poured since 2001 concrete and welded steel to expand the road network to 29,370 kilometers, and the bridge network to 314,353 lineal meters.

In Aklan as of June 30, 2009, 5 major projects undertaken by the DPWH include the Aklan East Road, now 92% complete; Altavas-Jamindan Road, 90%; Caticlan Port Access Road, 60%; Kalibo Airport, Pook, Kalibo, 60%; and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road, Malay, Phase I, 100% complete. (PIA)