TUGUEGARAO, CAGAYAN – The Provincial Management Coordinating Committee met on February 8, 2021 at DILG Cagayan Provincial Office to discuss the operational guidelines on road clearing validation.

DILG Provincial Director Ruperto B. Maribbay Jr., CESO V highlighted the importance of convergence in implementing the presidential directive to reclaim public roads used for private purposes. He emphasized the need to comply with the same, not just because it is a tall order from the President, but also because it is necessary in ensuring public safety among the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians using the thoroughfares. PD Maribbay also gave guidance on how the road clearing validation will be conducted, a mechanism to gauge the level of compliance of the LGUs.

Meanwhile, Atty. Ma. Rosario Mamba-Villaflor, Chief of Staff of the Governor, said that the Provincial Government has fervently implemented existing laws, especially those pertaining to public safety. According to her, the Provincial Governor is willing to extend assistance to the component LGUs in the province in enforcing road safety laws, rules, and regulations. Further, she committed the full support and cooperation of the Provincial Government in the conduct of road clearing validation and stated that a Provincial Task Group will be created for that purpose.

During the briefing proper, LGOO II Renz Angelo P. Umambong discussed the legal bases and background of road clearing operations. He clarified that road clearing

is different from road widening. LGOO II Umambong also stated that the initiative facilitates the removal of obstructions and hazardous structures in public roads, easements, and carriageways. Likewise, LGOO V Kelinda A. Vidad informed the body on the guidelines in conducting road clearing validation pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-145. She said that thirty (30) road clearing validation teams, composed of representatives from DILG, BFP, PNP, and CSOs, will be deployed across the province to validate the road clearing operations made by the LGUs.

In 2020, road clearing operations were suspended by DILG due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Department ordered the LGUs to resume road clearing activities from November 16, 2020 to January 2021. The validation period was set from February 16, 2021 to March 2, 2021. (SOURCE: LGOO II RENZ ANGELO P. UMAMBONG)