THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday ordered maintenance crews to ensure roads leading to cemeteries and churches across the country are safe and passable ahead of the Nov. 1 and 2 Undas observance.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon directed all regional and district engineering offices to repair potholes, clear road obstructions in preparation for the exodus of people in the cemeteries visiting the graves of their loved ones.
In Metro Manila, priority routes include those in and around the Manila North Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery and Manila Chinese Cemetery, where heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic is.
The directive comes as major road rehabilitation and reblocking works continue in Metro Manila, including the EDSA Rehabilitation Project.
Dizon ordered DPWH offices to deploy motorist assistance teams at strategic locations, with personnel, mechanics, service vehicles and equipment ready to respond to emergencies.
The teams will operate on a round-the-clock basis.
The DPWH will also require its maintenance crews to ensure that cemetery routes have adequate lighting, warning signs and traffic advisories.
Illegally parked vehicles, vendors and other obstructions that could impede traffic will also be addressed in coordination with concerned authorities.
The agency will work with the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police and local government units to manage traffic and provide assistance where needed.
