(DWPH Secretary Mark Villar discusses with DPWH-3 regional director Roseller Tolentino motorists centers in Central Luzon. Contributed Photo)
IN A Memorandum dated April 11, 2019, Secretary Mark A. Villar issued a directive to all Regional Directors and District Engineers to provide motorists and pedestrians prompt and reliable assistance during Holy Week.
Motorist Assistance Teams are to be set-up by the District Engineering Offices in major thoroughfares beginning 12 Noon of April 17 to 12 Noon of April 22, 2019. Sec. Villar stated the DPWH personnel stationed at the Lakbay Alalay centers must strictly observe and implement the following measures:
1. Proper signages and warning signs are installed within clear and safe sight distance of all on-going construction projects;
2. Legible informational and directional signs are likewise installed at conspicuous locations along national roads within your jurisdiction;
3. Road sections are well maintained and free of potholes;
4. Pavement markings are reflectorized to guide night-driving motorists;
5. Kilometer posts bear legible details and information to guide motorists and tourists;
6. Where construction/improvement/ maintenance acactivities are on-going, or where traffic congestions on particular route may be encountered, appropriate traffic advisory should be properly installed indicating therein the specific locations and corresponding distances of entry and exit points for alternate routes to bypass these traffic-congested areas;
7. Field personnel wearing the prescribed DPWH Uniform are assigned on a round-theclock shift to provide personal and prompt assistance on normal and emergency situations;
8. Proper coordination is conducted to concerned government entities (LTO, PNP, LGUs, etc.) for any assistance that may be required/provided; and
9. Strict implementation of Motorist Assistance Program and all Department issuances on removal of obstructions along the right-of-way of our national roads and bridges.
Meanwhile, Regional Director Roseller A. Tolentino announced that he already instructed the 14 District Engineering Offices to mobilize Motorist Assistance Centers in in their jurisdictional areas.
“There is a significant increase in the volume of motorists headed to major tourism, and pilgrimage and religious sites in Central and North Luzon either via Clark International Airport or our major road networks like the Maharlika Highway, Manila North Road and Mc Arthur Highway and the numerous sections of the NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX,” said RD Roseller ‘Dong’ Tolentino.
He further stressed, “Our offices must brace for the surge of traffic and assist motorists who may encounter any untoward incident during their travel and our staff are ready to assist them.”
