BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-CAR) reactivated its “Alalay sa Manlalakbay” a government-initiated motorist assistance program, to ensure that motorists will be given emergency assistance and to make sure that all roads leading to the Summer Capital will be open at all times, especially during the conduct of crowd-drawing events from February to June this year.
Engr. Edilberto P. Carabbacan, DPWH-CAR Regional Director, said all road networks leading to Baguio City are now being cleared from obstructions while various teams were already deployed along the roads to extend the necessary motorist assistance to motorists encountering problems when visiting the city during the crowd-drawing events, specifically the alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on the third week of February, the highlights of the Panagbenga Flower Festival on the last week and first week of February, the PMA graduation rites on March 21 and the 2-month long activities for the summer season.
He claimed Kennon Road, which is the gateway to Baguio City from the Provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, is undergoing routine maintenance activities for roadways, bridges, shoulders, drainages, and installation of traffic/safety devices. There is an on-going widening along KM 247+000 with a length of 200 meters. It is a one-way section going up with an alternate route at Puliwes-Panta Road going down. Informative or regulatory warning signs and traffic advisories are provided to further guide the motorists.
“Regular pruning/trimming of trees to improve sight distance along National Roads is being implemented. This is for safety and aesthetic reasons. Cutting of dead trees shall only be done when necessary,” Carabbacan stressed.
According to him, other maintenance activities being undertaken by administration are the sweeping and vegetation control of roadsides and patching activities of potholes using hot asphalt keeping the roads pothole free and clear of obstructions that would impede safe travel and hamper the delivery of goods.
The DPWH-CAR official ordered the Benguet 1st District Engineering to monitor and undertake maintenance activities along Marcos Highway, Naguilian Road and the Benguet- Nueva Vizcaya Road.
Carabbacan added Benguet 2nd District Engineering Office is at watch along the Halsema Highway in order to ensure the smooth travel of motorists along the roadline.
Baguio City District Engineering Office is continuously monitoring and maintaining its roadlines within the City of Baguio and its limits.
He disclosed the motorist assistance teams were already deployed along strategic portions of the roadlines, especially Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, Naguilian Road, Halsema Highway and Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, and are equipped with emergency response equipment and personnel who will respond to the emergency requirements of motorists whose vehicles will encounter mechanical trouble along the way.
“Motorists are advised to be defensive drivers, take all precautionary measures before travel and observe safe driving while en route to the city. Further, motorists must also make sure that their vehicles are in good running condition,” he said.
