Iloilo City dad proposes warning system to ensure animal safety, prevent road accidents
ILOILO CITY – Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna is rallying his colleagues at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) for the passage of a resolution calling for the installation of warning signage in strategic areas to ensure the safety of stray animals and prevent road accidents.
CABALUNA (FB)
These strategic areas include national roads, highways, highly-populated barangays or residential areas, public markets, plazas, and other identified locations where stray animals are commonly present or pose potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
"While no official tally is being maintained by the Office of the City Veterinarian on the number of stray animals killed or injured in road accidents, it has been observed that carcasses are routinely collected and disposed of at the Calahunan dumpsite," he said in his resolution on Wednesday.
He added that some are even left uncollected due to decomposition.
In a follow-up interview, he said that most often, signages always put animals in a negative light.
This time, he said they wanted to position that Iloilo City is serious about its advocacy.
"We researched some standard signages that are being implemented abroad and even here locally," he said.
In his resolution, he cited, among others, warning signs such as "Slow Down: Stray Animals Ahead," "Paghalong: Mga Hayop sa Karsada" (Beware: Animals on the Road), or "Brake for Animals."
He added that reminders could at least instill in the minds of drivers the need to be careful.
"It is also important to emphasize how important our pets and our stray animals are until we can get them off the street," Cabaluna added.
The resolution, directed to the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Iloilo City Engineer's Office, was approved by the City Council. (PNA)