Barricades for Pope Francis’ Leyte visit to be reused

MANILA, Philippines – The barricades used during the Leyte visit of Pope Francis would soon be reused and given to various government agencies.

Rolando Asis, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director for Eastern Visayas, said that many agencies and local government units have asked for the barricades.

Some 640 steel guard rails, 6,000 road barricades made from coconut lumber, 7,600 bollards or poles with roofing, and 670 GI pipes were stored in a depot following Francis’ visit to Tacloban City and Palo on January 17.

The mayor of Tanauan, Leyte, and airport security, among others, have made requests to the DPWH, said Asis. The military and police in the region have also sought to recycle the barriers for use in camps and road checkpoints.

Asis said that the transfer would be without cost since it’s between government agencies.

The DPWH regional office itself would reuse them in its own projects, said Asis. He added that they have an option to bid out some barricades to private entities, so that they could earn from it, as allowed by law.

Pope Francis went to Leyte, where he celebrated Mass in Tacloban City, primarily to console the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). It was the highlight of his 5-day papal visit to the Philippines.

The Holy Father also went to important venues in Palo town, but his stay in Leyte was cut short due to Tropical Storm Amang. – Rappler.com