The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is currently conducting a widespread “pulong-pulong” or community meeting initiative throughout the Ifugao Province due to the rising number of road and vehicular accidents.
The PNP-HPG are roaming around across the 11 municipalities of Ifugao every day, with different routes to gather different tricycle drivers along their terminals or along various streets, to remind them about the traffic laws and safe driving.
Road Accidents and Statistics
Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) death statistics report, road traffic accidents are the 12th leading cause of death in the Philippines. Car crashes and pedestrians getting hit remain the leading cause of death among Filipino youth 15-29 years old and are a major killer among children.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded a total of 3,224 deaths related to road accidents in the second quarter of 2024.
Though, Ifugao registered the least number of deaths among the provinces in CAR during that period, with 225 deaths, the law enforcers are not complacent as deaths are still recorded.
Rising vehicular traffic accidents in Ifugao
According to the Ifugao Provincial PNP Office, there have been 47 reported cases of Vehicle Traffic accidents in the Province of Ifugao in its Quarter 1, January-May 2025, report. While Ifugao has fewer recorded deaths compared to other provinces in the CAR, road safety remains a concern.
According to Ryan Yamballa, PNP-HPG Officer, ground education and community-based street meeting is an initiative of the PNP-HPG to address the increasing number of road accidents, particularly in areas like Lamut wherein cases related to road accidents are often high.
“Some drivers are driving while drunk, not wearing helmets and other protective gears, and not following traffic rules. That is why keeping an eye to road safety and management practices coupled with ground visibility is the key principle of the pulong-pulong initiative,” Yamballa added.
Presence felt in communities
For Fernando Bay-ong, a long-time driver in Lagawe, the ‘pulong-pulong’ initiative is of help and guidance among the transport groups.
“Nu maminsan, ado ladta dagiti pasaway. Isu nga maymayat talaga nu mai-remind dakami tapnu saan mi maliplipatan (Sometimes, there are still people who do not want to follow the traffic rules, that is why this initiative is good for us to be reminded),” Bay-ong stressed.
For 41 years that Bay-ong has been driving a tricycle, he said that most accidents are due to drunkenness. For him, being a driver or motorist who follows the basic rules and regulations on the road is a big responsibility that every driver must abide with.
On the other hand, Arcelly Valdez, a local from Boliweng, Lagawe, Ifugao, said that she prefers commuting and feels safe especially now with this initiative of the PNP-HPG.
The ‘pulong-pulong’ initiative of the PNP-HPG does not only aim to enforce the law but to strengthen their relationship with the community. Through face-to-face and direct engagement with the tricycle drivers, they can discuss at the same time listen to the opinions and perspectives of the drivers. This approach promotes shared responsibility and proactive hazard prevention.
The PNP-HPG continues its mission to make Ifugao roads safer, a daily commitment towards a more progressive and secure community. They also urge everyone to cooperate and be responsible road users.// Regine D. Ballud, BSU-DevCom Intern
