DPWH: Infra projects must not damage, destroy historical, heritage sites

Rogelio Singson. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO/Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — Make sure that all road and other infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, or DPWH would not adversely affect any historical sites and structures.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson issued early this week the directive as he called for the agency’s strict compliance to Republic Act No. 10066, or the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.”

RA 10066 states that the DPWH shall collaborate with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in the “implementation of projects, especially those that would have an impact on heritage sites and structures.”

In a statement, Singson said that “to ensure proper protection of historical sites and structures and prevent delays or revisions during the construction of vital projects, all DPWH offices are directed to closely coordinate with the NCCA in the conduct of project feasibility studies.”

While the government has been aiming to provide infrastructure development across the country, he emphasized “the preservation of historical sites and structures is a national concern as they serve to preserve the country’s rich culture.”

“The relics of the past are national treasures which must be preserved, restored and enhanced for the benefit of future generations,” he also stressed.

Meanwhile, the DPWH head signed Department Order No. 139, setting guidelines covering river dredging and quarrying activities, which are part of flood-control projects.

“We have to implement our flood-control projects in a way that we can achieve positive impact and prevent damage to the environment,” he asserted.

To prevent ecological damage, quarrying project sites “shall be required to undergo a series of soil investigations, which include bathymetric, topographic and hydrographic surveys,” said Singson.

“Proper soil analysis should also be undertaken to prevent changes in stream morphology,” he also said, adding “projects should comply with existing rules and regulations of the Water Code of the Philippines and the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, among others, before DPWH approval of works.”