By Betheena Kae Unite The structural condition of footbridges on national roads would be included in the annual maintenance program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in response to reports that such public structure has been left out. Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar (ALBERTO GARCIA / MANILA BULLETIN) Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar bared that they are “now in the process of studying proposals for the possible inclusion of footbridges in its Annual Maintenance Program.” According to Director Ernesto Gregorio Jr., of the department’s Bureau of Maintenance, starting this month, all regional and district engineering offices under the agency are required to submit an inventory of all footbridges along national roads, including structures’ details and condition, and cost of repair. “While the construction, repair and retrofitting of national roads and bridges is in our yearly program, we are receiving reports that the preservation of aging footbridges is being left out,” Gregorio said. This prompted the department to look into the possible inclusion of the public structures in its annual monitoring and maintenance program. “All structures built within the roads must be maintained to ensure safety of our motorists and pedestrians in cases of earthquakes and other calamities,”Gregorio said. “Clearly there is a gap that needs to be addressed hence we are now looking into whether we can help the local government units and include the funding for the maintenance of degrading footbridges along national roads,” Gregorio furthered. The department currently handles the design and construction of new footbridges along national roads, which are then turned over to the local government units for maintenance.