For Kalag-Kalag Days: DOTC sets up public assistance centers

For the duration of the All Saints and All Souls Day celebration, the Department of Transportation and Communications will set up public assistance centers in jeepney and bus terminals, airports and seaports to help commuters on their problems.

This is in line with the DOTC's "Oplan Kaluluwa 2005: Gabay sa Mamamayan" project, a yearly undertaking designed to assist motorists and the public on any concern relative to the Kalag-Kalag observance.

For this year in Cebu, the DOTC launched the Oplan Kalakbay (Kalag-Kalag) last Friday and public assistance centers since then began serving the public, especially commuters who have been packing the terminals, airports, and piers for their trips to their respective destinations.

The project, to run until November 3 when these people are expected to return to the city, also involves securing these transportation points -terminals, airports, railways and piers- around the country.

The DOTC said that in Cebu these desks are located in the north and south bus terminals, and at the Cebu port, with large streamers are also hung overhead to indicate their presence.

At the pier, passengers may approach the personnel of the DOTC personnel, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority and policemen who are manning these desks.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza further announced that the DOTC had fielded patrol teams, working with various private groups, to promote safety and efficiency in transport services. These teams are also equipped with basic first-aid kits, radio transceivers and mobile phones.

Mendoza said the DOTC Action Center is also conducting 24-hour monitoring of the activities of all of its field and mobile enforcement teams. Action field personnel are wearing their uniforms and ID for the duration of the Oplan operations. - Wenna A. Berondo and Jasmin R. Uy