LEGAZPI CITY — Vital infrastructure projects intended to spur the development of the Bicol Region and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) have been completed.

This was reported by DPWH Region V Director Orlando B. Roces to DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. Roces said that of the 1,251 projects programmed for implementation by the regional office at a cost of P5.6457 billion, 586 projects have been completed, 294 are ongoing, and the rest are in the pre-construction stage.

The Region V DPWH office was able to construct, rehabilitate, and maintain roads and bridges, flood-control structures, water supply systems, school buildings, and other public infrastructure projects, which have provided a more conducive atmosphere for economic growth in the region, Roces said.

The regional office also reported a 97.10 percent completion of carryover projects started in 2008 and 100 percent completion of carryover projects started in 2006.

“We have also taken into consideration that these projects will have impact not only on trade, commerce, tourism and other industries in the region, but have also on the efforts to protect the environment, Roces said.

“By giving priority to drainage and waterways projects, we have minimized the damage caused by flood-related disasters,” he said.

This is very important, particularly in low-lying and catch-basin areas of the region, Roces also stated in his report to Ebdane.

The regional office has also implemented projects that ensure a smooth flow of trade and commerce through constant monitoring and support for its 11 district engineering offices, he said.