The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues its assessment and retrofitting efforts on public infrastructure across the country to ensure compliance with international earthquake standards, a DPWH official said Wednesday.
In Metro Manila alone, DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral said the agency assessed more than 21,000 public buildings, including schools and health facilities.
Many of these structures have been recommended for retrofitting, while several have already undergone the necessary upgrades to enhance their structural integrity.
“We can provide data on actual numbers, but what we want to emphasize is that our program is ongoing,” Cabral said.
“This doesn’t only cover public buildings but also bridges, which are crucial to Metro Manila’s economy,” she added.
On a nationwide scale, the DPWH has instructed its regional directors to conduct annual assessments of national roads and bridges to determine if repairs, rehabilitation, or retrofitting are needed.
Cabral noted that these efforts are part of a long-term program and not solely in response to recent seismic events in Myanmar and Thailand.
The agency has allocated a budget for the retrofitting program, including projects previously funded.
In addition to these initiatives, the DPWH has been assisting the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) in assessing the structural integrity of LRT and MRT facilities.
Cabral confirmed that reports have already been submitted for the LRT system.
“The LRTA requested our technical assistance, and we have provided them with assessments of their infrastructure assets,” she said.
“For the MRT, we need to coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which oversees its operations. However, if they request our help in reviewing plans and assessing their structures, we are ready to assist,” Cabral added.