BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-CAR) assured motorists of the region the agency will infuse the required funding support for the implementation of road safety projects to prevent accidents.
DPWH-CAR regional director Engr. Tiburcio Canlas disclosed that no less than Public Works Secretary Mark Villar committed funds from the agency’s 2020 annual budget for road safety interventions, one of the needs of major roadlines in the different parts of the region.
He added road safety has become a global concern and different countries have started to work on funding road safety interventions to ensure the safe travel.
Earlier, road safety advocates in the region raised the need to re-strategize the ongoing modernization of roads incorporating road safety features to deter untoward incidents.
The DPWH-CAR official recognized the peculiar terrain of most roads in the region coupled with the need for the provision of road safety features, like visible road signages, among other available engineering interventions that will guarantee the safety of motorists.
According to him, one of the priority sites where appropriate road safety features will be placed include identified critical portions of roadlines and accident-prone areas to warn motorists on the condition of roads.
Canlas also advised motorists not familiar with the condition of the roads in the region to take extra precautions when travelling through these to prevent unnecessary incidents that will compromise their safety or else, they should get someone familiar with the condition of the roads to help them safety reach their desired destination.
The Cordillera has over 2,200 kilometers of national roads over 90 percent of which has been paved but there are more local roads in the provinces that remain gravelled or dirt rod posing a challenge to motorists.
Under current rules and regulations, DPWH is in charge of the maintenance of all national roads round the country while local governments are in charge of maintaining local roads within their areas of jurisdiction.
Canlas assured concerned sectors that with the recent pronouncement from Secretary Villar on road safety, it will be part of the programs of work for the rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of national roads in the different parts of the region.
By HENT
