SP INSPECTS SOUTHERN LU BORDER CONTROL POINTS
By: Jiroh Joy D. Marbella, SP-GPC | Photos By: SP-GPC | Date: November 5, 2021
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Tourism, in aid of legislation, conducted a surprise inspection of the province's southern borders, particularly in the towns of Rosario and Pugo, on November 5, 2021, to verify if border control policies are being enforced by assigned border control points personnel.
The ocular inspection team visited border Control Points in Barangay Udiao, Barangay Rabon, and TPLEX La Union Exit in the Municipality of Rosario and Barangay Cares in Pugo. The team also traversed an alternate route without visible checkpoints. Representatives from the La Union Provincial Tourism Office gave information about an alternate route of vehicles coming from the south to enter La Union.
After the ocular inspection, a focus group discussion was held wherein team members shared their thoughts, observations, and recommendations. It was also the avenue of the SPMs to gather relevant information in guiding them in crafting future policies and legislation related to public safety through border controls. Most observations include:
- The lack of briefing of PNP and BFP personnel on border control protocols and requirements.
- An absence of coordination and communication equipment from one border control point to another.
- The workforce shortage to cater to the high volume of vehicles needed to be checked or verified every day.
The border control points infrastructure was also pointed out as being not too convenient and comfortable for both border personnel and visitors. The sites are only make-shift canopies or tents that are not conducive, especially during heavy rains.
The team shall submit an ocular inspection report attached to the position paper from LUPTO with policy recommendations to be submitted for the deliberation and consideration of the committees concerned.
The ocular inspection team was composed of representatives from the La Union Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Board members who joined the inspection are SPM Christian Rivera, Chairperson of the SP Committee on Tourism, SPM Gary Pinzon, SPM Jay-Jay Orros, SPM Nancy Bacurnay, and SPM Alyssa Kristine Sibuma.
