DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson on Monday said they are expecting the new designs for schools destroyed by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” on January 15.
“There is on-going review and we hope to be able to complete the detailed design of the new structures by January 15,” Singson said in an interview over Inquirer Radio 990AM.
The Secretary said the plans were being drafted at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) central office.
The statement was in response to a Philippines Daily Inquirer report, quoting DPWH Eastern Visayas director Rolando Asis, that the government has no plans yet to rebuild around 4,000 schools damaged or totally destroyed by “Yolanda” last November 8.
“Ang instructions kasi sa amin, build back safer and better. What we have been [determining] kung ano yung kailangan baguhin sa disenyo (of school buildings). We have been working with Japanese consultants to address the aspects of vulnerability of schools,” he said.
(Our instructions were to build back safer and better. We have been determining what needs to be revised in the designs of school buildings. We have been working with Japanese consultants to address the aspects of vulnerability of schools.)
The most important thing considered in the design is the structure’s resistance to earthquakes, flooding and strong winds.
“There is a plan,” Singson insisted.
He said they are also expecting the cost of the new structures to go up.
More costly
“Ang estimate ko minimum increase ay thirty percent (My estimate is that the minimum increase in the cost of school buildings is at 30 percent),” he said, adding that they cannot really give a clear cost estimate until they finish the design.
Singson said weather-proof classrooms built in Albay by the Japanese, using grants from their country, cost P2 million. He compared it with the DPWH standard cost of P800,000 per classroom.
“Titignan natin yan pagkatapos ng design tapos we will look at the economics of it,” he said.
(We’ll look at the final design and we will look at the economics of it, if we can afford it.)
He said they will have a thorough discussion on what features to include, which ones are appropriate.
Singson said the funds for the new buildings may be augmented by the calamity fund.
Upgraded shelters
“We will continue to improve the structures that we are doing especially the schools (and) hospitals. And even the private construction. We will be coming up with guidelines para ganun mapatibay ang paggawa ng mga strakturang ito (We will be coming up with guidelines to ensure that the houses being constructed are stronger),” he added.
Singson said that they will soon come up with “upgraded designs” for hospitals, to be followed by other government structures.
“Ang sinu-suggest kasi namin kay pangulo eh sana kada vulnerable area kada munisipyo ay merong upgraded shelter center. Ibig sabihin kahit gaano kalakas ang project dyan ay may titindig na mga building. May pagsisilungan at meron ka na ring command center,” the Secretary said.
(We are suggesting to the President that in every municipality in vulnerable areas there’s an upgraded shelter center. This building should remain standing regardless of how strong the projected storm or winds are. It will serve as both shelter and command center for the government.)
Singson recalled how 100 percent of structures in areas hit by “Yolanda” were destroyed. Even government buildings were not able to withstand the storm surges and strong winds that ripped off the roof of around a million homes.
He said they will also release guidelines for residents rebuilding their homes.
But reconstruction along or near the coastlines will be prohibited. Government structures near the sea will be moved inland.
Bunkhouse investigation continue
Singson said they continue to investigate if there are cases of overpriced bunkhouses being built in typhoon-hit areas.
“I gave Secretary (Panfilo) Lacson (who serves as rehabilitation czar) our designs so they will have a basis (for their investigation),” he said.
He assured the public that contractors would have to follow their building specifications before being paid for their services.
“We (have) adjusted to what is referred to as international standards,” Singson said, reiterating that they have allotted larger bunkhouse units for each family.
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