DPWH gets down to work for SEAG

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now checking all public infrastructure—mainly roads and bridges—leading to venues of the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) which the Philippines is hosting starting on Nov 30.

A DPWH statement said Public Works Secretary Mark Villar had directed all regional and district offices to also check the venues for the SEAG, a biennial event.

Villar, according to the statement, ordered the submission of reports on the status of roads and bridges under construction and maintenance of existing ones prior to the games.

The department is also tasked with clearing operations and mass evacuations if necessary.

Villar, in the statement, said amid “festivities and excitement, vigilance and safety must always be of highest importance.”

Aside from these tasks, DPWH said it would coordinate with local governments the checking of structural integrity of hotels where athletes and delegations would stay.

Road work and other construction would be suspended five days before and after the games in Bulacan, Clark, Subic, Tarlac, La Union, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Metro Manila.

The opening ceremony of the SEAG will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Other events would also be held there and also at the New Clark City Sports Complex and other venues in the National Capital Region.

Despite the short preparation time, authorities had given assurance that they were ready to host the biennial meet. Inspectors also noted that the venues were not affected by the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that shook Zambales and Pampanga last April./TSB

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