DPWH to start Undas roadside assistance Friday

Starting 5 p.m. Friday, the Department of Public Works and Highways will deploy motorists' assistance centers along national roads to help motorists heading for the provinces to observe Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days). The DPWH said the "Lakbay Alalay" program, which ends at noon of November 3, will provide free roadside emergency repair assistance and respond to road emergencies. "It is greatly expected that all national highways, more importantly those leading to both public and private cemeteries, shall be thoroughly maintained and always kept in good shape for safer travel and ensure uninterrupted transport flow in the country during the long weekend," DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said in a statement posted on the DPWH website. Singson instructed the regional offices to make proper coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government unit (LGU) officials. He also instructed them to submit situational reports every six hours, and to strictly monitor the traffic situation and provide warning signs or traffic advisories in impassable roads. For now, he said highway maintenance along national roads such as pavement maintenance, regravelling, bridge maintenance, shoulder maintenance, road side vegetation control and drainage declogging operation are now being undertaken by regional and district offices. — RSJ, GMA News