MANILA -- Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger G. Mercado announced on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 that the partial cost of damage to public infrastructure of Tropical Depression “Agaton” is now at P1.45 Billion.

Citing the latest report from the DPWH Bureau of Maintenance, Secretary Mercado said that in Region 8 alone, the partial cost of damage to national roads and bridges was estimated at P1.30 Billion with P1.27 Billion on roads, and P30 million on bridges.

Subject to field validation, DPWH Region 12 reported P6.06 million damage to national roads, while Region 13 reported P118.4 million damage to national roads and P27 million damage to bridges.

Meanwhile, DPWH has cleared and reopened 47 out of the 50 affected roads in the regions of Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

DPWH Quick Response Teams are still clearing three (3) remaining closed national road sections in Leyte and Southern Leyte.

Secretary Mercado said that remaining impassable roads severely affected by landslides are targeted for reopening before the end of April 2022.

In Southern Leyte, the Maasin City - Buenavista Bontoc - Bdry. Hilongos Road (Maasin - Bontoc) in Brgy. Lunas is still closed due to road cut; the San Miguel - Conception - Daang Maharlika Road., K1210+415 - K1211+348 is also closed due to hollow abutment; while the Bil-atan, San Ricardo - San Roque, Liloan Road in Brgy. San Roque and Brgy. Malangsa, Liloa-an and in Brgy. San Ramon, San Ricardo, Southern Leyte is also closed due to landslide and rockslide. Warning signs have been installed while DPWH conducts continuous clearing operations.

All other national road sections are passable, although 17 roads still have limited access due to road slip, landslide, damaged bridge approach and settled foundation. (DPWH)