by Rose B Palacio

Davao City (29 March) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI Director Jerome dela Rosa bared that total accomplishment of the ongoing reconstruction of the Generoso bridge in Bankerohan to date is 61 percent and a positive slippage of about 45 percent.

With the on going trend of construction, the Contractor might finish the bridge a month or two, before the deadline of completion on August 14 this year, he said.

Director dela Rosa made this announcement during yesterday's blessing and turn-over rites of the Bridge Inspection Vehicle (BIV) donated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency led by Mr. Kenzo Iwakami deputy resident representative of JICA held at DPWH compound, Davao City.

The turnover ceremony was spearheaded by DPWH Assistant Secretary Raul C. Asis together with Dr. Judy F. Sese, Assistant Director, BRS & Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) manager; Director Virgilio Arpafo, Bureau of Equipment, DPWH; Mr. Hideo Nagao, JICA TCP Bridge Expert.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, Sonshine Radio International Television Network and Richie Nalagon of GMA, ASEC Asis said that Davao region is very lucky for being chosen as a recipient of this brand new Bridge Inspection Vehicle from JICA.

The new BIV, costing about Php21.96-million is one of the construction facilities to be used in the ongoing three-year training package and the ongoing Generoso bridge construction.

ASEC Asis said that the remote capability of BIV would enable inspectors to easily reach and inspect underneath portions of the bridge safely.

The brand new BIV arrived in Davao City early this month from the manufacturer, Barin Corporation in Italy that handles the three-day ongoing training for the correct operation of the highly sophisticated inspection vehicle. The rigid training for DPWH field engineers will end today March 29 at the DPWH training hall. Participants also include field engineers from Region 7 and from the Bureau of Equipment.

Described as having the simplest and most practical operating system, the new BIV is making a great headway in the quality maintenance management and monitoring of tall and long span bridges particularly in Region eleven, being one of the three pilot areas of TCP-JICA in the country.