Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson has ordered DPWH field officials and engineers to give priority to the clearing of obstructions along national roads within the vicinity of schools, both private or public.
This includes vulcanizing shops, car wash shops, ambulant vendors, and shanties or “kubol” used as sari-sari stores illegally constructed along roadsides of national roads near school premises.
“We have to clear the sidewalks or roadsides to ensure the safety of the students walking to and from their schools. The students have no option but to walk on the road pavement or road way which is very dangerous to them, especially in areas where there is a high volume of vehicles,” said Singson.
In a directive issued earlier, Singson ordered the submission of an inventory of obstructions erected within the road right-of-way of national roads, particularly those permanent structures, so that these shall be coordinated with the local government units and the enforcement agencies to effect their eventual clearing and removal.
He also reiterated his previous instruction regarding the provision of loading and unloading bays along national roads wherein there is a provision of pedestrian sidewalk or platform alongside the turnouts. “This is part of our continuing process of upgrading our road safety standards,” Singson said.
Singson directed the painting or repainting of pedestrian crossing lines or “zebra lines” on national roads in front of the schools, especially in highly urbanized areas or town centers. Ample warning signs shall likewise be installed, he said.
In addition, he directed that road improvement or preventive maintenance activities along national roads shall be fast tracked and should have been completed before the opening of classes on June 4 as heavy build up of vehicles is expected.
