JICA introduces advance engineering technology to ARMM

COTABATO CITY -The Japan International Cooperation Agency recently introduced to DPWH-ARMM a technical advance mechanism that could help determine more efficient roads and bridges maintenance, budget planning and work programming for repair requirements. JICA, which implements Japanese Official Development Assistance is one of the most important diplomatic tools Japan has, ODA has brought about a wide variety of positive impacts on developing countries and regions around the world, which ARMM is a beneficiary. JICA in the Philippines launched a project aims to transfer the latest International Roughness Index (IRI) measurement technology, called Dynamic Response Intelligent Monitoring System (DRIMS), to ARMM. DPWH-ARMM will be the first to implement DRIMS in the country it is also tasked to present this project in the DPWH-National Office to ensure technology transfer. ARMM-Public Works Office is implementing over P10 Billion of infrastructure projects scattered in the far flung areas of Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur in 2015. Secretary Don Mustapha A. Loong of DPWH-ARMMsaid with the development of human resource as one of the most important issues for the sustainability of the technical transfer, the training of DRIMS operation has been carried out, Twelve (12) engineers from ARMM are expected to master the operation of the system with JICA Experts’ assistance and become instructors for DRIMS operation. IRI values can be easily obtained, using ordinary cars equipped with DRIMS that consists of laptop, GPS, accelerometer, and road monitor – a user-friendly device expected to contribute to improvement of road maintenance. DRIMS captures the condition of road pavement surfaces as well as the expansion of joints. These data are directly transferred and profiles projects thru geo-tagging and GPS. The system was proposed as an alternative to conventional road profiler system, whose operational costs is relatively high. In addition, the system is more accurate and quantitatively faster. With baseline data available, the use of this system will allocate for transparent and accountable project management and implementation in ARMM. Photos, videos and GPS data will allow the Regional Office to countercheck actual projects undertaken in the field. The system will ensure that program of works, prepared and submitted by District Engineering Offices, are within the actual data scope. Sec Loong added that in addition to e-ARMM, the DRIMS project will make DPWH-ARMM, all the more, equipped with advanced technology that promotes efficiency, transparency and accountability. The use of this efficient technique for road condition assessment will also help in programming the 2017 budget of DPWH on road projects.