President Ferdinand R. Marcos wants the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to establish its own public works and highways district office to quickly repair damaged infrastructure during times of calamities.

Marcos made this remark in a situation briefing in Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday, where he instructed Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to consider putting up a DPWH district office that will only cater to BARMM’s needs.

“You should look into that because you’ll make everything much easier kapag may (DPWH) district office that is designated to BARMM area. That’s why I asked about the bridges kasi ‘yan ang pinakamahirap ayusin e. Generally speaking, more or less kalsada nagagawa ‘yan,” Marcos told Bonoan.

In his report during the briefing, BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo enumerated the region’s most affected road network which, he said, is a critical lifeline to the ongoing relief operations.

Two critical bridges have been damaged: the Nituan Bridge in Parang, and the Sarakan Bridge in Matanog, according to Minister Sinarimbo.

Effective Wednesday, however, the two bridges are now being used by light vehicles, the BARMM interior minister added.

One of the significant challenges is restoring the Labu-Labu Bridge, the BARMM officials said, noting that based on the statement of the DPWH, they would be able to repair the bridge in three days.

There were also reported damage to infrastructures in Datu Blah Sinsuat and Cotabato City, Sinarimbo said, adding there are three blockages in those areas.

After the briefing, Marcos led the distribution of goods and assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm ‘Paeng.’ | PND