Department of Public Works and Highway Secretary Vince Dizon personally inspected areas affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Sarangani Province and General Santos City, directing the immediate repair of damaged national roads and bridges to support relief, medical, and emergency response operations.
“Obviously, napakalakas nito. Isa ito sa pinakamalakas sa mundo this year,” Dizon said.
“Obviously, napakalakas nito. Isa ito sa pinakamalakas sa mundo this year.”
Dizon confirmed that traffic remains uninterrupted through the newly constructed Buayan Twin Bridge, ensuring continued connectivity between General Santos City and Sarangani Province and facilitating the movement of goods and essential services.
“We need to conduct the assessment first to make sure that all national roads are passable for relief operations, which is the first priority,” the public works chief stressed.
The public works head instructed the Sarangani, South Cotabato 1st, and South Cotabato 2nd District Engineering Offices to fast-track repair works on affected infrastructure.
“Initial assessment, merong roughly running total nasa isang bilyon na yung damages sa iba’t ibang building sa Gensan pa lang ‘yon.”
“Initial assessment, merong roughly running total nasa isang bilyon na yung damages sa iba’t ibang building sa Gensan pa lang ‘yon,” he pointed out.
DPWH Region XII Regional Director Cayamombao Dia reported that technical teams from all eight District Engineering Offices have been deployed to conduct damage assessments, validate structural integrity, and ensure public safety.
Dizon also inspected the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City and the Sarangani Provincial Hospital in Alabel to assess immediate repair requirements following reported structural damage.
The inspection and directives are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the swift delivery of assistance and government services to communities affected by the disaster.
