Road network in Bicol Region is now being readied for the expected influx of domestic and foreign visitors this Holy Week. “I may be new in this region, but I am aware that Region 5 is known for its amazing tourist destinations here and abroad,” said Regional Director Danilo E. Versola of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in a recent meeting with DPWH key officials.
Through a memorandum issued by DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar concerning “Lakbay Alalay” program of the department, RD Versola instructed all District Engineers to intensify the road maintenance activities in their respective areas of jurisdiction. “All road sections must be well-maintained and free from potholes,” he said.
Where construction/improvement/maintenance activities are on-going, or where traffic congestion on a particular route may be encountered, DPWH Project or Maintenance Engineers were instructed to install appropriate traffic advisory wherein specific locations and corresponding distances of entry and exit points for alternate routes to bypass these areas are indicated.
This early, the director ordered the preparation for the activation of Motorist Assistance Teams region-wide. “Each member of the team must be oriented on their specific assignments for the delivery of the best service to the public,” RD Versola said. For proper identification, he also directed field personnel to wear the prescribed DPWH orange T-shirt uniform.
A total of thirty one (31) Motorist Assistance Centers will be installed along the conspicuous places of the national road, twelve (12) from the mainland provinces or from Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon; and nineteen (19) from the Island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate on April 10-17, 2017, on a round-the-clock operation. This is in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and concerned Local Government Units (LGUs).