DPWH-3 readies Holy Week help desks for motorists
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 3 is set to mobilize motorist assistance teams in various parts of Central Luzon to help motorists in line with the agency’s program “Lakbay Alalay” this Holy Week.
DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said on Monday the teams will be deployed in strategic areas of the highways where motorists will pass en route to the different provinces in the region.
This is in compliance with the directive of Public Works Acting Secretary Roger Mercado to all field offices of the DPWH to help motorists going to the provinces for their summer vacation and Holy Week retreat.
He said the teams are set to be deployed any time this week to ensure hassle-free travel for vacationists and tourists going to different destinations in the region.
“There are several pilgrimage sites in Central Luzon that devotees often visit as well as many staycation destinations that families can stay this Lenten break, that is why we are anticipating an influx of travelers in addition to the returning residents especially now that there has been an ease in travel restrictions due to the drop in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country,” Tolentino said in a statement.
Due to the anticipated heavy traffic, he said the DPWH is set to implement traffic re-routing in some areas, thus the need to put up sufficient road signages for motorists to see.
“Our maintenance teams were also instructed to ensure that reflectorized pavement markings are installed to guide night-driving motorists and that all kilometer posts bear legible details and information to guide motorists and tourists,” Tolentino added.
He said emergency vehicles/towing equipment like dump trucks, payloaders and other equipment will be provided 24/ 7, to be boosted by equipment from the DPWH regional office.
In implementing "Lakbay Alalay", the DPWH will be closely coordinating with other concerned agencies such as the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Philippine Red Cross, and local government units. (PNA)