SP Committee: “Road Safety is Priority”
By: Rafael C. Mosuela, GPC-SP | Photos By: GPC-SP | Date: August 22, 2024
To ensure the safety and convenience of the traveling public and assess the status of road obstructions and ensure compliance with road clearing directives and ordinances, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Public Works and Utilities of the Provincial Government of La Union joined the ocular inspection in aid of legislation on national roads within the jurisdiction of the Province of La Union on August 22, 2024.
The inspection team was composed of Law Enforcement agencies such as the Police, Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office issued a citation ticket to violators of the said obstruction ordinance. During the meeting break, the Committee with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) committed to addressing the issue of road obstructions and to lessen road accidents due to this lack of warning devices and illegally parked vehicles.
The inspection team, led by the Hon. Maria Annabelle S. De Guzman Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and Utilities visited various sections of the national highways, focusing on areas known to have persistent obstructions. These include the National Highways particularly in the City of San Fernando and the Municipalities of Bauang and Agoo, La Union wherein most of the obstructions persist.
During the inspection, the committee observed obstructions such as the presence of illegal structures, parked vehicles, or others within the 20-meter road right of way. They also gathered insights from residents and businesses on the impact of these obstructions on traffic flow and community development, and some engaged in altercations which resulted in the issuance of citation tickets.
"We cannot stand idly by while our roads are compromised. Immediate and decisive action is needed to remove these obstructions and restore the integrity of our national highway network. These obstructions are not just inconveniences; they have a direct negative impact on our communities. They contribute to traffic accidents, economic losses, and a decline in quality of life". Hon. De Guzman said.
The removal of obstructions on the Road Right-of-Way along the Manila North Road is in accordance with Provincial Ordinance No. 230-2020 or the Anti-Obstruction Ordinance, and the DPWH Department Order No. 73, series 2014, stating among others to immediately remove or cause the removal of all obstructions and prohibited uses within the right-of-way of all national roads within their respective jurisdictions and DILG Memorandum No. 2024-053 on nationwide implementation of barangay road clearing operations, assessment, validation and recognition under the Bagong Pilipinas Program
The committee's findings and recommendations will be presented to the SP Committee Meeting for further action. They will also be shared with the DPWH, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other relevant agencies to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing the problem of road obstructions.
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