Oplan Kalakbay kicks off

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Department of Transportation and Communications Kalakbay 2007 begins today with the DOTC’s Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) leading efforts to ensure the safe passage and security of thousands of commuters going to and from the provinces this Holy Week.

According to DOTC Assistant Secretary Thompson Lantion, also the LTFRB chairman and concurrent DOTC spokesperson, this year’s Kalakbay 2007 will focus on complete service to motorists and other commuters with the theme "Oplan GT (Gabay sa Taongbayan)," which covers all land, water and air transport sectors.

"This yearly endeavor of the DOTC is in compliance with the order of the President to ensure the safety and security of the public and to provide adequate reinforcement to all vital installations which may be targeted by unscrupulous elements (who may want to take) advantage of the Lenten Season," said Lantion, a former police general.

Lantion said these innovations include enhanced one-stop monitoring and response systems implemented since DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza assumed office. The initiative will be undertaken through the LTFRB and other government agencies, as well as volunteers from the private sector.

"As a part of this year’s Kalakbay, we will again be deploying monitoring and emergency response teams in every major terminal in the country, whether land, sea or air, to be able to cater to the needs of the riding public as well as motorists," Lantion said.

He also assured that there will be adequate transport facilities for the commuters going to and from the provinces.

In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, detectives or agents will also be deployed on various conveyances, particularly vehicles plying known critical routes and where incidents of highway robbery are rampant.

As part of these enhanced innovations, he said, ambulances and other medical teams will be on standby to handle emergencies, while teams of mechanics and repair crews will be ready to service motorists whose vehicles may break down along major thoroughfares leading to and from major pilgrimage sites nationwide.

"Major volunteer radio groups like the SCAN (Society of Communicators and Networkers) International will also be providing monitoring and assistance in coordinating communications to assist our riding public," Lantion said, adding that free calls will be provided by telecommunications firms Smart and Globe at major terminals in Metro Manila and other major cities.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP will provide strengthened security at the major pilgrimage sites and all transport terminals nationwide to ensure the safety and security of devotees and other travelers during Holy Week, he added.

"We all look forward to a pleasant and serene Holy Week for all of us," he said. "We all want to ensure that there would be no room for terrorist activities or increased criminality during this particular time of the year."