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A portion of the Ilocos Norte highway is free of any obstruction. (Lei Adriano) |
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Ilocos Norte’s Second Engineering District is up for another round of road sweep as it started its “Operation Baklas” to clear the national highway’s right of way.
Since February 21, 2018, the DPWH along with personnel from the Philippine National Police started to remove obstructions to ensure smooth flow of traffic and prevent road accidents.
Under Department Order No. 73 series of 2014, Engr. Mathias Malenab cited some prohibited uses within the right of way. These include all kinds of temporary and permanent structures such as buildings, houses, shanties, stores, shops, stalls, sheds, canopies, billboards, signages, advertisements, fences, walls, railings, basketball courts, barangay halls, and garbage receptacles among others.
According to Mr. Malenab, a total of 293 obstructions were removed following the three consecutive road clearing operations slated from February 21 to March 3, 2018.
The areas covered included Batac City and the towns of Paoay, San Nicolas, Currimao and Badoc respectively.
Mr. Malenab said they will resume the operation again next week.
In the first district of Ilocos Norte, Engr. Nestor Pasion also reported the DPWH First Engineering District were able to demolish and remove 3,019 obstructions from Laoag City all the way to Pagudpud.
The DPWH appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate and abide by the revised Philippine highway act and the national building code.