ILOILO City – District Engineering Offices (DEOs) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) nationwide were directed to activate their “Lakbay-Alalay” program in anticipation of the forthcoming Holy Week.
DPWH secretary Mark A. Villar issued a memorandum instructing both the Regional and District Engineering Offices in the whole country to provide motorists and pedestrians as well as domestic and foreign tourists prompt and reliable assistance during the Holy Week from April 17 to 21 this year by ensuring that necessary measures are strictly observed and implemented.
Villar said that proper signage and warning signs should be installed within clear and safe sight distance of all on-going construction projects; legible information and directional signs are installed on conspicuous locations along national roads; road sections are well-maintained and free of potholes; and kilometer posts should bear legible details and information to guide motorists and tourists.
He further instructed the Regional Directors (RDs) and District Engineers (DEs) that appropriate traffic advisory should be properly installed in areas where there is on-going construction, improvement or maintenance activities, or where traffic congestions on a particular route may be encountered.
Field personnel wearing prescribed DPWH uniform shall be assigned on a round-the-clock shift to provide personal and prompt assistance on normal and emergency situations.
Villar further instructed to properly coordinate with concerned government entities such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Local Government Units (LGUs) for any assistance that may be required/provided.
In Region 6, Regional Director Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr. instructed the DEs to fast-track all the on-going projects particularly those which are along national roads to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the Lent season.
Leaño further directed the DEs to install Motorist Assistance Centers along national roads especially to areas leading to tourist destinations and deploy skeletal force who will be on a round-the-clock shift within the duration of the Holy Week.
“We will also provide Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) forms in every motorist assistance center for stakeholders concerns, feedback and comments. Said forms will be gathered by the Regional Public Affairs and Information Office for consolidation and submission to the Central Office,” Leaño said.
In addition, Maintenance Division chief, Engr. Oliver E. Zamora reminded the DEOs to deploy their maintenance crew to remove all obstructions along the right-of-way of the national roads and bridges, particularly those going to various tourist attractions to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, considering the volume of both foreign and local tourists who are expected to flock the region.
DEOs are also required to submit the names and contact numbers of their respective Motorist Assistance Team for the information and reference of the Regional Office and the Central Office and make a report of action taken the week after the duration of the “Lakbay-Alalay” program./PN
