Davao Oriental — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon personally visited the province on November 5, 2025, to ensure the prompt rehabilitation of infrastructures damaged by the recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the area.
During his visit, Secretary Dizon was joined by Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, 1st District Representative Nelson “JR” Dayanghirang, Deputy Governor Nonoy Villademosa, Deputy Congressman Andy Monday, and other local officials. The inspection covered several affected facilities in the province’s first district, including municipal halls, district hospitals, school buildings, and other government structures that sustained partial or total damage.
Among the sites inspected were the new municipal building of Manay, the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital in Cateel, and the Evaristo Moralizon National Vocational High School (EMNVHS), which were heavily affected by the quake. Secretary Dizon emphasized the national government’s full commitment to assist Davao Oriental’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts, noting that the goal is to restore vital facilities before the year ends.
“President Marcos has directed us to expedite repairs and strengthen public infrastructure to prevent further damage in the future,” Dizon told reporters during his inspection in Manay. He also revealed that repair works on the town’s municipal hall had already begun and are expected to be completed before Christmas or early next year.
Dizon further assured the provincial government of DPWH’s support in rehabilitating hospitals and other essential structures once approvals from concerned national agencies, such as the Department of Health (DOH), are secured. Additionally, he committed to working on an alternate route requested by Governor Dayanghirang to ensure continued access to affected communities.
Governor Dayanghirang expressed his gratitude for the DPWH’s swift action and close coordination with local officials, saying the national government’s presence strengthens public confidence in rebuilding efforts.
The visit demonstrated the collaborative effort between the national and local governments in ensuring that Davao Oriental rises stronger from the devastation, with safer, more resilient infrastructure ready to serve its people.