On the directive of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH here in Bicol will reactive their Motorist Assistance Teams on March 30 to April 6, 2015. This is in anticipation to the influx of motorists this Holy Week or Semana Santa.
DPWH named this program as “Lakbay Alalay” and is implemented in close coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) Officials.
Thirteen (13) Motorists’ Assistance Centers will be installed in conspicuous places of Bicol’s arterial roads, viz: In Albay – 1) Lidong, Sto. Domingo, 2) Busay, Daraga, 3) Paulog, Ligao City or in front of Albay 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO); Camarines Norte – 4) Tabugon, Sta. Elena; Camarines Sur – 5) In front of Tambo Elementary School, Tambo, Pamplona, 6) Beside Traffic Management Group (TMG) along Concepcion Grande, Naga City 7) Tigaon Station, Caraycayon, Tigaon, 8) In front of DPWH 4th DEO, Sta. Teresita, Baao, 9) DPWH Field Office along Gaongan, Sipocot; and, Sorsogon – 10) Pepita Park, Brgy. Bucalbucalan Sorsogon City, 11) Bagacay in Gubat, 12) San Pedro Multi-Purpose Hall, Irosin, and, 13) Cumadcad, Castilla, Sorsogon.
Assistance centers will also be installed in the island provinces: Seven in Catanduanes and eleven in Masbate.
These centers will be manned by Engineers, Car Mechanics, Equipment Operators, and other service crews who will give free roadside emergency assistance to motorists during the long holidays.
At the DPWH, Rawis, Legazpi City, a skeletal workforce from Maintenance Division (Tel. #482-0429) will man the Office to receive reports from field offices and to render emergency services that may be required during the said holidays.
Also, for the safety and convenience of the riding public, DEs shall ensure that all national roads, particularly those leading to religious institutions and tourist destinations are thoroughly maintained. Appropriate informative/directional signs and traffic advisories shall also be installed in conspicuous places of the road. Likewise, compliance to construction safety for all ongoing projects along national roads shall be closely monitored to avoid road hazards.
“Our Secretary, Rogelio L. Singson wants to be assured that we also provide prompt and reliable assistance both to domestic and foreign tourists,” DPWH-5 Regional Director Melvin B. Navarro said. Philippines with predominantly catholic population, sees Holy Week as an opportune time to go home to their hometown and spend time with their relatives and friends, he further said. “To some, this is an ideal time for class and family reunions,” the director concluded.