SLOPE PROTECTION. The slope protection project in Barangay Tiep in Bani town, Pangasinan province that was funded with PHP96 million by the Department of Public Works and Highways. It was completed this year to prevent soil erosion and protect motorists from landslides. (Photo courtesy of DPWH Ilocos regional office) BANI, Pangasinan - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of a PHP96.5-million slope protection structure aimed at securing the safety of travelers and reducing the possibility of landslides in Barangay Tiep in this town. In a statement on Tuesday, DPWH Ilocos Region information officer Esperanza Tinaza said the project covers the construction of a lined canal along the road to ensure proper water flow during heavy rains. "It also includes the construction of stone masonry and laying out of additional active wire mesh and erosion control mat which will increase the stability of the critical slope along Alaminos-Bolinao Road," she said. "To make the road more stable as heavy rains and natural calamities can trigger erosion." The Alaminos-Bolinao road leads to tourist spots in western Pangasinan. The project that was started on March 28, 2022, was completed on Jan. 21. Tinaza said the funding came from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022. Meanwhile, DPWH-Ilocos has also completed the construction of a rainwater collector system in various schools in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. Tinaza said the total project cost of the water system was PHP4.4 million from the 2021 GAA. She said the water supply projects wer established at the Alaminos City National High School, Alos Elementary School, Longos Elementary School, Mona Elementary School, Pangasinan Integrated School, Tawin-Tawin Elementary School, Telbang Elementary School and Telbang National High School. "A rainwater collector is a device for collecting and maintaining harvested rainwater. It is used for watering gardens, flushing toilets, wash applications, an ornamental pond, and fountain filling. Most water storage containers are outside and they can be accessed in several ways," she added. (PNA) }