TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways–Samar 2nd Engineering District Office (DPWH-S2EDO) has coordinated with the city government of Catbalogan and other key stakeholders in preparation for a large-scale road clearing operation along national highways in the city.
The activity forms part of the DPWH’s routine road maintenance efforts aimed at ensuring safer and more accessible national roads across major urban and residential areas.
Targeted road sections include highways passing through Barangays Socorro, Lagundi, Guindapunan, Canlapwas, Maulong, Mercedes, Barangay 13, Guinsorongan, and Bunu-anan—many of which are regularly affected by road obstructions and encroachments.
A coordination meeting was held ahead of the operation, bringing together representatives from various government agencies and offices.
The meeting focused on the removal of road obstructions, including illegally parked vehicles; abandoned or non-roadworthy units; unauthorized structures encroaching on public roads, sidewalks, shoulders, and drainage areas.
It was agreed that barangay officials will actively coordinate with CLEAO during the operation and help enforce local ordinances related to road use and obstruction. They will also take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of areas once cleared.
The stakeholders also discussed the designation of alternate and legal parking areas, including the possible use of private lots for pay-parking schemes. Strict implementation of No Parking Zones will also be enforced, with violators subject to towing and penalties.
The road clearing effort is part of a broader push to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and reclaim public spaces for pedestrians and motorists, especially in densely populated parts of Catbalogan City.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
