Villar receives heavy equipment from China

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar on Tuesday formally received from the People’s Republic of China the construction equipment for the rehabilitation and recovery of the war-torn Marawi City.

In a ceremony held at the DPWH head office in Port Area Manila, 47 brand-new heavy equipment from China, including eight units each of excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and cement mixers; five units each of compactors, track type tractors, and bulldozers were turned over to Villar by China Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. The donation also includes a container van.

“On behalf of the Philippine government, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for these brand-new heavy equipment that are essential as we aim for the fast recovery of Marawi City,” Secretary Villar said.

“The handover ceremony today (Tuesday) is another hallmark of the strong levels of support, collaboration, and cooperation between China and the Philippines,” he added.

In his report to Secretary Villar, DPWH Region 10 Director Virgilio C. Eduarte said the first batch of donated equipment arrived in Iligan City as early as October 9, 2017.

“I inspected the equipment last October 22. We will now deploy the equipment for the clearing and construction works,” he added.

DPWH as the lead of Task Force Bangon Marawi Reconstruction Sub-Committee is in charge with the reconstruction, repair, and rehabilitation of all national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings. The agency is also a member of the Housing Sub-committee, specifically responsible for the site development of transitory shelters.