TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) raised concerns over the implementation of certain road projects on the city’s highways during their regular session on August 1, 2023.
In his privilege speech, Councilor Marc Rainier Duguiang, who chairs the committee on transportation, expressed alarm over what he claimed is a lack of appropriate safety signages on the ongoing road works on the Bulanao-Dagupan provincial road.
Citing a social media post of a motorist almost crashing into barriers that did not have reflectors, Duguiang called on the implementing agency to comply with road construction safety standards to prevent accidents.
“We already have many experiences with regards to traffic accidents due to improper signages karkaru dituy provincial roads tayo,” he said.
He motioned for the passage of a resolution requesting the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) to install appropriate signages and safety measures to safeguard motorists. The motion was approved by the body.
Apart from safety concerns, Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) members also seek coordination from implementing agencies on road projects.
Councilor Henry Tubban Jr., in particular, wants to know the details of the planned construction of a center island along the Bulanao-Dagupan provincial road as he is concerned about the placement of pedestrian lanes.
Meanwhile, Duguiang seeks an explanation from the Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office (LKDEO) over their seeming ‘lack of planning’ in the implementation of road projects.
He claimed the agency had installed solar studs and solar street lights only to dismantle them months later to make way for other constructions.
“Nu mapan ka dituy Bacras, nalpasen [installation] ti solar studs ngem after one month siguro binagbag da manen diay kalsada ta kinabilan da ti kanal,” he said.
“So nu kitkitan tayo kasla awan planning iti DPWH,” he said. “I am not against the solar studs, although for me it’s not timely, it does not have great economic impact, but I am just for the proper implementation of these projects. Nu mapan kayo idiay, from Calanan to Dupag, makita tayo nga madama da nga ag-road widening ket just two months ago kaikabkabil da dagituy poste ti solar lights so nu makita tayo diay scope ti widening, tamaan na dagituy poste ti solar lights,” the councilor added.
The SP decided to invite the LKDEO and the PEO to the next regular session to shed light on these matters.
“Considering that the management of traffic is the jurisdiction of the city of Tabuk, concerned agencies like the DPWH, provincial government, I think it’s proper for them to coordinate with us on the implementation of road projects,” Councilor Kristian Wandag said.
The council’s next session is set on August 15, 2023.
