In anticipation of the forthcoming Lent Season, the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region VI is mobilizing a composite team to serve in the “Lakbay Alalay” program.
Said program, which will start on March 21 to March 28, this year, is pursuant to the Memorandum issued by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, directing Regional and District Engineering Offices to provide motorists and pedestrians as well as domestic and foreign tourists prompt and reliable assistance.
Hence, DPWH 6 OIC-Regional Director Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr. issued a memorandum to all District Engineers in the region to create a team, which includes an anchorman who will aid the traveling public on strategic locations in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Dir. Leaño further instructed the District Engineers to coordinate with other government agencies such as Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Local Government Units (LGU) in order that required assistance may be sought/provided.
District Engineers are also directed to submit to the Office of the Regional Director a situational report every six (6) hours during the duration of the program.
More importantly, District Engineering Offices are directed to ensure and strictly observe and implement necessary measures such as: Proper signage, which should be installed within clear and safe sight distance of all ongoing construction projects; Legible informational and directional signs to be installed on conspicuous locations along national roads; proper maintenance of road sections, free from potholes; and provision of reflectorized pavement markings to guide the night-driving motorists.
The memorandum also directs the District Engineering Offices to ensure that kilometer posts bearing legible details and information to guide motorists and tourists, and install proper traffic advisory where construction/maintenance activities are ongoing, indicating the specific locations and corresponding distances of entry and exit points for alternate routes to bypass the traffic-congested areas.
Further, District Engineering Offices are required to monitor the strict implementation of the Motorist Assistance Program and all Department issuances on removal of obstructions along the right-of-way of national roads and bridges, and provide a round-the-clock shift to provide personal and prompt assistance on normal and emergency situations.