Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) conducted inspection of Magapit Suspension Bridge using drone cameras. The demonstration which was observed by the officials of the DPWH Region 2, Central Office, together with representatives from other regional offices nationwide and media personalities gathered on May, 24 2017 at the Magapit Bridge in Lallo, Cagayan.

Hideo Nagao, Team Leader of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) specialist group explained the status/condition of the Magapit Bridge will be based on the photos taken using the drone camera. “drone technology is really an advantage, aside from providing high resolution geo-tagged photos and videos, it reduces inspection time and risk to bridge inspectors, it will no longer require bridge inspection vehicles and traffic disturbances will be minimized.” Nagao emphasized.

Joel Cruz, President of SRDP and Drone controller outlined detailed information regarding the use of drone technology. He said that rotary and fixed wing type drones provides in depth Aerial inspection, control point survey, area mapping and close up image acquisition.

Regional Director Melanio C. Briosos stated in his message that the equipment will significantly improve planning and designing measures in the department. “This will be functional essentially in identifying areas for infrastructure development and monitoring activities as well.”

BOC Assistant Director Aristarco Doroy informed the observers that the inspection was in line with the department’s implementation of its project improvement on quality management for highways and bridge construction and maintenance (Phase III).