DPWH completes clearing of housing site for 'Agaton' victims in Leyte


The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has finished clearing a two-hectare land in Baybay City in Leyte that will be used as a relocation site for the local residents who became homeless due to the devastation wrought by typhoon "Agaton" early this year.

DPWH Sec. Roger Mercado said at least 80 housing units are expected to be erected in the area located in Barangay Maganhan in Baybay City.

photo: DPWH

“With DPWH personnel working round-the-clock, the displaced families affected by Typhoon Agaton will soon be catered in sturdy and safer shelters as they recover from the social and economic disruption caused by the tropical storm,” said Mercado.

The housing units are funded by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 8 and are being constructed by the 546th Engineer Combat Battalion (546ECB), 53rd Engineer Brigade.

Mercado said the housing site includes clearing of road right of way.

Also on-going are site preparation works in Barangay Tinalian, Abuyog, Leyte where the deployed workers have completed the removal of 26 trees, a 180-meter access road towards the relocation site, and clearing and grubbing activities translating to an overall accomplishment of 25 percent as of June 10, 2022.

DPWH has acquired permit to undertake the clearing of land, including trees and other vegetation, in accordance with the current rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).