The province of Guimaras is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Western Visayas especially during Lent Season where the famous “Pagtaltal” is held.
Considering the volume of foreign and local tourists that may flock the province, whether for religious observance this Holy Week or simply going on a vacation in the island, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Guimaras Distirct Engineering Office ensures that national roads are prepared for motorists and the traveling public.
According to OIC-District Engineer Rhodora B. Nuñal, the 128.962-kilometer long national road network in Guimaras province is completely paved, 120.735 kilometers of which are concrete paved while 7.617 kilometers are still asphalt overlaid.
Nuñal also said that a total of 610 lineal meters of bridges are all in good condition and accessible, providing links to various tourist destinations in the province.
In addition, the District is hastening the completion of the on-going road widening projects and drainage systems to minimize inconvenience that might cause the public.
Regular preventive maintenance along national roads is also undertaken to ensure better, faster and more convenient travel.
A “Lakbay Alalay” program will also be re-activated by the District, to provide emergency assistance and services to the public during the duration of the Lent season.
Meantime, DPWH VI Regional Director Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr. instructed all District Engineering Offices in the region to reactivate the “Lakbay Alalay” program in observance of the Holy Week this year.
Leaño directed the District Engineers (DEs) to install a Motorist Assistance Center in strategic areas near tourist destinations all over the region to give prompt assistance to the general public.
He also ordered all DEs to ensure that national roads are maintained and passable at all times, obstructions should be removed and necessary informative/directional signs be installed to guide the motorists and the traveling public.