DPWH, DOTC ready for Holy Week trek

Holy Week travelers can seek prompt aid from public assistance booths to be set up in strategic points along national highways nationwide at the start of the Lenten season.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Simeon Datumanong said he has also deployed motorist teams on 24-hour call to maintain roads, manage traffic, and provide information to drivers.

"DPWH emergency crews would be deployed at strategic points along highways to ensure road maintenance, install directional signs, and assist motorists in case of vehicular problems," he said.

On the other hand, Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez assured the public yesterday of orderly transport operations when they go to the provinces next week.

"Our minimum expectation is for commuters to arrive safely at their destinations and return to their places of work in good physical condition, and that in case of unwelcome accidents, we will be there to provide the assistance needed to save human lives."

Alvarez said DOTC action teams will be deployed in bus terminals nationwide, as well as North Harbor in Manila and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

"The action teams will provide motorists and passengers assistance to emphasize our commitment to safety in basic transportation services by improving and enforcing safety standards and regulations," he said.

Alvarez said complaints and requests for assistance may be made through the DOTC Command Center at telephone/fax numbers 727-17-10 and 723-32-35 or the DOTC hotline at 02-7890.

The command center will be manned 24-hours-a-day by a team led by Undersecretary Carina Valera, lawyer Neil Manalo, and Jimmy Legaspi Jr., he added.

Alvarez said his department will also coordinate with officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Communications firms Smart and Globe will also provide free call facilities to respond to requests for assistance from stranded commuters and accident victims, he added. – Cecille Suerte Felipe