The Department of Public Works and Highways Region 3 (DPWH-R3) urged the public to maintain orderly usage of public highways amid reports of road destruction especially in remote areas in Bulacan.
DPWH Regional Office III Regional Director Roseller A. Tolentino also urged the public to report any incident they would witness or report to proper authorities any information that they have.
Tolentino's call came after the Bulacan Provincial Government ordered the suspension of mining activities and waged an all-out crackdown against overloading trucks crossing the province.
In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Tolentino urged the public to become more responsible when using public highways.
“This has been our long overdue problem and we are thankful that the LGUs (local government units) and our motoring public have come to the realization that we have shared responsibilities in the preservation of our roads,” Tolentino replies to Manila Bulletin.
“If you learned of incidents of road vandals and unauthorized passing of overloaded trucks, then let us know, report it to the authorities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tolentino lauded the initiative of the provincial government of Bulacan, saying “It is overwhelming to learn that most, if not all LGUs are doing their part to preserve and protect the infrastructures undertaken by the government.”
Tolentino asserted that the implementation of EO No. 21 or the suspension of mining activities in Bulacan is under the initiative of the LGUs and is consistently valid with the provisions of the Local Government Code.
Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando issued Executive Order No. 21-2022 on August 24 declaring temporary suspension of all mining permits, quarrying, dredging, desalting, and other types of mineral extractive operations in Bulacan.
Fernando asked the DPWH, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to act together in addressing the long overdue problems in overloading and dilapidation of roads.