DPWH chief orders urgent works for storm-hit Catanduanes seawall
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon orders urgent reinforcement of Catanduanes seawall damaged by Super Typhoon "Uwan."
- Action follows President Marcos' directive to restore critical infrastructure across affected provinces.
- Hexapods to be installed along damaged and vulnerable sections to protect residents.
- Fallen trees and debris to be cleared for smooth traffic flow.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday, Nov. 14, ordered the urgent reinforcement and restoration of the seawall in Virac, Catanduanes, after it was battered by destructive storm surges during Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
The DPWH said the directive follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s instruction to expedite the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure affected by the typhoon across multiple provinces.
Dizon issued the order during an inspection with Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza and DPWH Region 5 officials.
He said hexapods — large, concrete, jackstone-like structures already used in other sections of the seawall — will be installed to strengthen the damaged area.
“Mayroon tayong kailangang idagdag na elemento sa seawall na wala dun sa nasirang parte [ng seawall] sa Imelda Ave.—‘yun yung hexapod (We need to add an element to the seawall that was missing in the damaged section on Imelda Avenue — that is the hexapod),” he said.
He added that more hexapods will also be placed along other vulnerable stretches of the coastline to protect residents from strong waves.
Dizon also ordered the accelerated clearing of fallen trees and debris along major roads to ensure continuous traffic flow in the province.