Bicol: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 5 (Bicol) will deploy more than 600 personnel to 24 motorist assistance centers under the 'Lakbay Alalay' (travel assistance) program for the Holy Week.
According to Philippines News Agency, the centers are intended to ensure safe and efficient travel for motorists returning to the province. In a phone interview, Justin Dayandante, DPWH-5 spokesperson, emphasized that the deployment of 24 motorist assistance centers (MACs) across major roads in the region aims to provide immediate assistance to motorists, alleviate traffic congestion, and respond to road accidents.
The centers, strategically located along the Bicol Region's major roads, will operate from 8 a.m. on April 1 to 5 p.m. on April 4. They will be manned by composite teams working in shifts around the clock to ensure continuous support.
In Albay, centers will be stationed in Barangay Lidong, Sto. Domingo; Barangay Salvacion, Daraga; and Barangay Paulo, Ligao City. Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte, the centers will be located along Magang Road in Daet and in Barangay Bautista, Labo. In Camarines Sur, assistance will be available in Barangay Tara, Sipocot; Barangay Tambo, Pamplona; Daang Maharlika Del Rosario, Naga City; Pili-Tigaon, Caraycayun section; and in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Baao.
Sorsogon will host centers in Barangay Guinlajon, Sorsogon City, and in Barangay Gulang-Gulang Irosin, with additional stations in the towns of San Fernando, San Jacinto, San Pascual side, and Claveria side. Masbate's assistance centers will be situated along Masbate Port Road, Catiangan-Placer Road, and in Milagros. In Catanduanes, centers will be located in Barangay Marinawa, Bato, and Barangay Biga, Virac.
Dayandante also noted that the Maharlika and Andaya Highways have been upgraded to serve two lanes, facilitating smoother and more comfortable travel for those heading to the region this Holy Week.
