DPWH activates 'Lakbay Alalay' to ensure safety of motorists

By Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has activated its "Lakbay Alalay" program to assist motorists during next week's long vacation in observance of All Saints' Day. DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has ordered all regional directors to ensure the safety of motorists and vacationers through the program. "The DPWH Lakbay Alalay Program involves the deployment of composite teams comprised of DPWH personnel and mechanics who will respond to road emergency situations," Ebdane said in a statement. The composite teams will be complemented by the government agency's equipment and service vehicles which can be utilized as tow trucks, he said. Ebdane also instructed regional directors and district engineers to submit their respective lists of assigned personnel as members of the composite teams, including their contact numbers and the locations of Lakbay Alalay stations along the country's national highways. He said the DPWH "Lakbay Alalay" program would take effect at 6 a.m. on Oct. 31 until 12 noon of Nov. 4.