ILOILO City – With thousands expected to hit the roads this Holy Week, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has raised the alert by reactivating its “Lakbay-Alalay” program, deploying assistance centers across Western Visayas to prevent travel disruptions and respond to potential emergencies.
From April 16 to 19, strategically positioned motorist assistance centers will operate round-the-clock along major highways to address the expected surge in traffic and reduce the risks posed by road accidents, stalled vehicles, and ongoing infrastructure projects.
The move comes amid heightened concerns over traffic congestion, possible road mishaps, and the strain on public infrastructure as families head home or travel to religious destinations.
“DPWH-6 is on full alert,” said Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and making sure their travel is as smooth and secure as possible. Our teams are ready to respond to both routine and emergency situations on the road.”
In addition to deploying personnel for field operations, the agency has also installed proper directional signage and warning devices in areas where construction or repairs are still underway. These proactive measures aim to minimize bottlenecks and reduce the chances of collisions and confusion during peak travel hours.
The program’s implementation is being carried out in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and local government units.
This inter-agency effort underscores the urgency of the situation as Holy Week has historically brought about spikes in road-related incidents and traffic woes.
The DPWH urged motorists to drive with caution, remain alert, and take advantage of the services offered through “Lakbay-Alalay” as they embark on their Holy Week journeys./PN