DPWH approves partial resumption of 'Build, Build, Build'

MANILA – The Philippine government has allowed the partial resumption of its P8-trillion “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said Friday.

Private and public construction projects can resume work in areas under the general community quarantine, subject to health protocols, Villar said in a statement.

For areas under enhanced community quarantine, construction workers accredited by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are permitted on “emergency and maintenance works, and flood control and other disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation works,” among others, he added.

Only authorized to work are ages 21 to 59 and without underlying health conditions, Villar said.

“Prior to deployment, construction personnel shall be required to undergo COVID-19 test, as may be prescribed by DOH, and retested as the need arises,” he said.

“The head of the concerned Implementing Office (IO) shall issue construction quarantine pass (QP) to the individual qualified personnel of the concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, clearly stating the identification, designation, nature of work, validity and destination,” he added.

Workers must be provided with necessary welfare facilities and subjected to social distancing and proper hygiene. Errands outside the construction site shall be kept to a minimum.

“Employees shall be housed in their respective quarters for the entire duration of the project covered by the ECQ and GCQ. Otherwise, “Prior to Deployment” procedures shall be conducted at every instance of re-entry,” Villar said.

Daily monitoring of the workers’ conditions shall also be mandatory.

“Personnel with manifestations or symptoms relative to COVID-19 shall be immediately isolated and quarantined for 14 days and if necessary, brought to the nearest DOH COVID-19 treatment facility under strict confidentiality and privacy,” Villar said.