In a concerted effort to enhance public safety and mobility, the Tacloban City government has mobilized 140 workers to clear obstructions from major roads as the year draws to a close. Emmanuel Naval, the coordinator of the road clearing taskforce, announced during a press briefing that various city departments are involved in this initiative, including city engineering, traffic operations, legal, business permits and licensing, city planning, health, market operations, treasurer, general services, barangay affairs, and the police.
Naval emphasized the importance of the operation, particularly during the Christmas season, stating that the task force is working to ensure public safety by removing obstructions without encountering violent resistance. The initiative follows a directive from Mayor Alfred Romualdez to implement the road clearing program mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The initial focus of the clearing efforts is on the roadside near the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Bagacay village, where numerous stores have encroached on sidewalks, forcing pedestrians onto the road. Dionisio de Paz, head of the city engineering office, highlighted the dangers this poses, especially given the high volume of traffic in the area, which is part of the nautical highway connecting Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
The task force recently met to plan the next phases of the clearing operation. During the nationwide road clearing efforts in 2019, approximately 70% of Tacloban’s roads were cleared and handed over to village officials for ongoing monitoring. Gemafiel Gaspay, head of the Business Permit and Licensing Division, noted that during business license renewals, the city ensures that businesses do not encroach on public spaces, advising them to find appropriate locations for their operations.
The DILG’s April 16, 2024 memorandum underscores the importance of clearing roads to remove obstructions and illegal constructions, thereby improving driving conditions and providing safe walking areas for pedestrians. The DILG also believes that reclaiming streets and walkways will encourage walking, promoting both mobility and a healthier lifestyle among residents.