No rest for DPWH, contractors during holidays

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

THE regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ordered all contractors handling government projects to continue their operations despite upcoming Christmas and New Year’s day celebrations.

Sandra Flores, DPWH spokesperson for Region 10, said all contractors should not stop their operations despite heavy influx of motor vehicles and persons plying national roads during the coming holidays.

“Wala ma-undang nga trabaho kay gikinahanglan pag-ayo nga mahuman sa dali nga panahon. However, due to the influx of motor vehicles and pedestrians, proper signages must be installed at the sites of all ongoing projects,” she said.

Like contractors, DPWH would have a skeletal work force and designated action officers during the holidays.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson ordered regional offices to assure public of a continued workflow.

“As a public office, we must be accountable to the people at all times. We must able to respond emergency road situations and important queries even during the holiday season,” part of Singson’s order reads.

The assigned action officers were instructed to report in a 24-hour, six-shift schedule, and man the regional offices.

They were directed to assure that all major thoroughfares are well maintained, free from obstructions and to set-up Motorists’ Assistance Stations to assist the travelling public along identified critical sections along national roads.

Flores said contractors should place early warning devices or signages some 100 meters before the project sites.

“Lain pa pud nga mando nga kadtong dunay schedule nga bakbakonon isip kabahin sa ilang programa dili sa himoon hangtud nga dili mahuman ang holidays atong mga main thoroughfares,” she said.

Flores said contractors were also ordered to deploy personnel at project sites areas to assist all motorists who would be stranded due to the implementation of projects.