DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

SOUTH COTABATO 2ND DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE

TINDALO ST., BALITE, BRGY. LAGAO, GENERAL SANTOS CITY
(WEEK 3, JUNE 29-30, 2017)

JOVAN S. BUCOL
 Department of Public Works and Highways| On-the-job Training

For the past two weeks in our

internship, we learned a lot especially
about being a contractor and about
construction. However, we didnt
want it to stop right there. We were
tasked to observe the whole duration
of the road concreting in Brgy. West.
Most of the time, we just sit there and
chat. Work done each day is quite
slow since its construction. Although
its part of being a project engineer,
Figure 1 Facade of the new DPWH-DEO II Building at Tindalo St., Balite, Brgy.
we werent satisfied of the learning Lagao
that well get. Its true that this
might be our future work if well be hired in private firms, but as students, we want to expand
our learning. Thus, we decided to transfer to a government office, the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH). Being in DPWH means that well get to work in its four sections:
Planning and Design, Quality Assurance, Maintenance and Construction.
We had no problem in transferring
since we were supposed to have our
training there. We already had our
documents and we were already called for
confirmation. Since the sections cant
accommodate us all, we were divided. Each
will be reporting for their respective
sections for eight days each. I was assigned
in Construction Department first. Since I
was exposed in construction for the whole
Figure 2 Office of the Construction Section
duration of my internship in MJ Tiongson, I
am confident that I can somehow understand terms which I will be facing in this department.
These terms include Items 311, 201 and more. I have also known before that there will be two
inspectors from the implementing agency, one from the quality assurance section and the other
one is from our own section, the construction section.
During my first day in construction section, I recognized most of the employees since they
were my schoolmates. I think that this section is one of the busiest since its the implementing
section. Every now and then, representatives from different contractors come in to consult about
their on-going projects and for approval.
 Department of Public Works and Highways| On-the-job Training

For the first day, we had a talk with the construction section chief, Engr. Teody Galang.
He asked us a few personal questions and have also introduced to us the section. We were then
assigned to one of the project engineers, Engr. Willie Cantero. Since there are a lot of on-going
projects, we will be mostly out on field as inspectors. I have known that inspectors are needed
during pouring of cement.
I was assigned to witness pouring of concrete at General Santos City National High School
together with the assistant engineer. He oriented me about the field works in the construction
section. He told me that the implementing section inspects the works of the contractor. He
ensures that the measurements are followed as planned. He also inspects during the pouring of
cement to ensure that the contractor is working properly. The project is entitled to DPWH during
construction, and also for months after construction. He also told me that the contractor will only
be paid partial and will be given the whole amount months after construction. The contractor is
still responsible for the damages for months. Moreover, he briefly discussed about reading the
plan, and how to inspect it.
For the next day, I went to Tampakan together with Engr. Cantero and an assistant
engineer. The project was road concreting.

Figure 3 Locator. This is required before

proceeding to field work.
 Department of Public Works and Highways| On-the-job Training

Project: 4-storey school building

Location: General Santos City National High School, Brgy. Calumpang, GSC
Contractor: L.H.E. Construction and Industrial Services
Activity: Witness pouring of cement on columns

Figure 4 Pouring of cement for 2nd story columns at General Santos City National High
School