IN BARANGAY Igbucagay, Hamtic, Antique province, a deadly portion of the highway known as the “killer curve” continues to claim lives, posing an urgent challenge that demands immediate attention. The Dec. 5 fatal plunge of a passenger bus into a deep ravine highlighted the perils of this treacherous section. With its sharp, downward-sloping curve and a daunting gorge on one side, this area has become a grim symbol of preventable tragedy.
Despite the alarming death toll these past five years – over 50 lives lost, including 17 in the latest bus crash – efforts to rectify the situation have been woefully inadequate. The response from authorities, though well-intentioned, has been a patchwork of temporary fixes: warning signs and cement barriers that have proven insufficient against the relentless tide of accidents. This approach, while necessary, is clearly not enough. It is akin to applying a band-aid to a deep wound.
Gov. Rhodora Cadiao’s call to reroute the road, despite the significant financial implications, is a testament to the gravity of the situation. Her proposal to divert the road, effectively neutralizing the danger posed by the “killer curve”, is a bold but necessary step. However, this requires more than local resolve; it demands national attention and resources.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must take a proactive role. The recent response from the DPWH, focusing on cement barriers, is a clear indication that more robust and long-term solutions are needed. The national government’s engagement is crucial in providing the substantial funds and expertise required for a project of this scale.
But while government action is paramount, community involvement and awareness are equally critical. The residents of Barangay Igbucagay and surrounding areas must be part of the conversation, ensuring that solutions are community-driven and address local needs. Awareness campaigns and education about road safety can also play a vital role in preventing accidents.
We must remember that behind each statistic is a human life: individuals with dreams, families, and loved ones. The recent tragedy, claiming 17 lives and leaving many in critical condition, is a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. Each day without a definitive solution is a day we risk more lives.
The time for half-measures and temporary fixes has long passed. The “killer curve” in Barangay Igbucagay is not just a local issue; it is a national concern that demands immediate and comprehensive action. We owe it to the victims and their families to ensure that no more lives are lost to this preventable menace. Let this be a turning point, a moment when tragedy gives way to action, and where future accidents are averted not by chance, but by deliberate, concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
