THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has institutionalized a nationwide 24/7 motorist assistance hotline that connects motorists directly with regional and district engineering offices. This extends beyond the observance of All Saints’ Day to enhance public safety and improve infrastructure responsiveness for all travelers.
Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez said motorists heading to the provinces or visiting cemeteries during and after the All Souls’ Day break can now seek immediate assistance from the DPWH for road-related emergencies.
He said the initiative is part of the agency’s Lakbay-Alalay 2026 program.
Lakbay Alalay is the agency’s annual motorist assistance initiative that deploys personnel and equipment to help travelers experiencing vehicle trouble or other roadside emergencies.
According to the DPWH chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the activation of hotlines so travelers can access DPWH assistance when they encounter incidents, including damaged roads and other hazards during their trip.
Lopez ordered all DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices “to keep their contact numbers open 24 hours a day, seven days a week” to ensure a prompt response to motorists’ concerns.
He added that DPWH teams maintain around-the-clock shifts to provide emergency assistance and keep major thoroughfares free from obstructions.
The initiative strengthens government efforts to make roads safer and travel more convenient during one of the country’s busiest travel periods, when highways leading to provinces, transport hubs, and cemeteries typically experience unusual traffic flow.
The DPWH is coordinating with other government entities, such as the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police, and local government units.
