DPWH forms ROW task force to expedite infra projects

MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formed a task force that will specifically handle right-of-way (ROW) acquisition to minimize delay in project implementation.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar signed Department Order No. 203, series of 2016, which created the Unified Project Management Office Right-of-Way (UPMO-ROW) Task Force that will be tasked to monitor ROW issues that affect the implementation of UPMO road, bridge and flood control projects nationwide.

The group will be headed by DPWH Undersecretary for UPMO operations Emil Sadain, with Legal Service Director Estrella Decena-Zaldivar as vice chairman and UPMO Cluster directors as members.

At the same time, a Technical Working Group (TWG), to be composed of representatives of UPMO Cluster Directors will be created to support the task force.

The group will be responsible for the screening and verification of documents submitted for ROW claims as well as the accuracy of the computation of land valuations and disturbance compensation.