DPWH deploys MATs to assist motorists during Lenten Week observance

Anticipating the influx of motorists along major thoroughfares in key cities and provinces in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga Region) during the Lenten season, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) makes the necessary preparations to assure road safety and travel convenience of the public.

Caraga Region DPWH Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso ordered on Sunday all District Engineering Offices (DEOs) in provinces and cities all over the region to deploy Motorists Assistance Teams (MATs) along the main national highways under their respective jurisdictions.

The teams are composed of engineers, auto mechanics, equipment operators and service crews.

Dr. Barroso said the MATs will attend and give free roadside emergency repair assistance to motorists in the region during the weeklong observance of Lenten season.

"Our MATs will be assisted by our local contractors," the region's DPWH chief said.

The DPWH has already deployed MATs at various strategic areas in the region's capital city of Butuan in anticipation of the influx of motorists during the Holy Week.

"We already anticipated the huge volume of motorists and we are ready to assist," said Butuan's District Engineering head Engr. Nicolas Alameda.

With the directive of DPWH Secretary Victor Domingo, all DPWH Regional Directors and District Engineers are instructed to ensure that all road sections are well maintained, informational and directional signs are installed on conspicuous locations and well visible along national roads, Alameda said.

"We will deploy DPWH equipment and mechanics to be assigned in critical areas along national roads in round-the-clock shift to provide immediate assistance to emergency road situations," said Secretary Domingo in his directive.

Domingo added that travel advisories for the alternate routes by-passing traffic congested areas and road sections where construction activities are ongoing must be installed, specifying the entry and exit points and corresponding distances.

Under the project dubbed as "Lakbay Alalay" Annual Lenten Program, the regional directors and district engineers were also instructed to coordinate with their respective Land and Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and concerned officials of the local government units in order that required assistance may be provided by the DPWH. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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