To ensure road safety and assist the traveling public during Holy Week, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 2, led by Regional Director Engr. Mathias Malenab, has officially activated its “Lakbay Alalay” Motorist Assistance Program from 16 to 19 April 2025.

Personnel from both the Regional and District Engineering Offices are now deployed in composite teams at key locations along national highways in Cagayan Valley. These teams include designated anchormen who serve as on-site coordinators and first responders to motorists in need of assistance.

DPWH Region 2 is working in close coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and concerned local government units to ensure seamless operations and 24/7 visibility during the four-day travel period. For districts with ongoing infrastructure works, coordination with contractors is being implemented to adjust work schedules and install necessary traffic advisories, helping avoid disruptions and ensure smooth traffic flow.

In a statement, Regional Director Malenab emphasized the importance of keeping the region’s roads in optimal condition throughout the observance of Holy Week.

“We are intensifying the maintenance of all national highways within Region 2 to ensure safe and smooth travel throughout the Holy Week. Activities such as pavement patching, drainage clearing, vegetation control, and bridge upkeep are ongoing across our jurisdiction. In addition, the installation of traffic and directional signage is being prioritized to better guide motorists, especially those unfamiliar with our routes. District Engineering Offices have been instructed to submit their Motorist Assistance Team compositions and station maps ahead of deployment. Daily incident reports are required to be submitted to the Regional Office by 4:00 PM, while summaries must be sent to the Bureau of Maintenance by 5:00 PM each day during the program period,” Malenab said.

To promote professionalism and visibility, all personnel are required to wear prescribed uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPEs), and all stations are to follow the Department’s standard designs for tents and tarpaulins.

The “Lakbay Alalay” initiative is part of the DPWH’s national directive to provide timely support and public service to motorists during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.