DOE lauds Capitol on load limit policy

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has lauded the Capitol’s imposition of load limits in cargo trucks hauling sand and gravel and coal passing through the provincial roads.

DOE-7 legal officer Russ Gamallo said the Capitol’s policy is one of the best practices that can be replicated in the whole country.

Gamallo said that Central Visayas does not have a particular set of rules and regulations on the matter especially on coal trading.

Gamallo said the move of the Cebu provincial government is applicable to all provinces in the country.

Imposing a load limit will not only regulate coal trade and sustain coal supply but it will also help the local government units save funds which are spent continually on repairing damaged roads, he said.

Gamallo said he will suggest adopting the Cebu’s move on standardized truck dimensions and loading limit on hauling trucks during their technical working group meeting for the proposed comprehensive guidelines on coal trading.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia agreed that what is being imposed in Cebu can be a template for other provinces to follow.

In a meeting, coal operators and haulers assured Garcia that they will abide by the agreed truck dimensions and load limits stipulated in the memorandum of agreement.

They said they will police their own ranks.

In the agreement, it is stipulated that the truck’s dump box dimensions should be 1.30 meters in height, 2.30 meters in width and 4.73 meters in length.

Truck load should not be more than 16 tons and the truck used for hauling must bear the sign “For Coal Operations Only.”

On the other hand, Sugarcane Planters Association in northern Cebu assured Garcia of their cooperation to address issues on traffic hazards and cleanliness of the highways.

Garcia received complaints against hazards that sugarcanes protruding from trucks pose to motorists.

Garcia said that dirt from the trucks affect efforts of the local government units for the Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (eGWEN) highway competition.

In a meeting, Jose Mari Miranda, president of the Sugarcane Planters Association, said their members already agreed two years ago to put sidings to their trucks.

But he admits not all have complied with the agreement due to the additional cost.

Miranda promised to meet with his members to relay the Capitol’s concern and agree on a standard size for their trucks. — (FREEMAN)