LTO-NCR launches Oplan Kaluluwa

MANILA, Philippines - In anticipation of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day holiday weekend and the expected traffic and transport-related problems associated with it, the LTO-NCR (Land Transportation Office – National Capital Region), spearheaded by LTO Director Teofilo E. Guadiz, has prepared a special project designed to aid the convenience and safety of motorists, passengers and the general public in their traditional exodus to cemeteries and their provinces to pay respect to their dead. This special project is dubbed “Oplan Kaluluwa” and will run from October 30 to November 4.

This initiative is also part of the agency’s continuous efforts to foster orderliness, safety, and security in the Metro’s transportation systems and to enhance the government’s responsiveness to the needs of our motorists.

Oplan Kaluluwa consists of the following activities:

• Strengthening of security in all bus terminals in the Metro;

• Setting up of help desks and assistance networks in major passenger terminals;

• Monitoring of traffic flow on major roads and highways leading into and out of the Metropolis;

• Coordinating with the MMDA and the NCRPO to provide security measures for the general public;

• Inspecting passenger buses and ships to ensure roadworthiness;

• Inspecting bus terminals to ensure passengers’ general convenience;

• The establishment of a 24-hour hotline number to answer inquiries with regards to Oplan Kaluluwa: Land Line:              438-8688; cell phone number: 0915-8832662

• Setting up a “Libreng Text/Tawag” booth for the public in key locations;

• Providing a medical first-aid response team in selected public utility vehicle terminals;

• Distributing flyers containing information about where and how to file complaints, and about where to ask for assistance regarding transportation and communication concerns.

The Office of the Regional Director (ORD) will be the command and coordinating center of the aforementioned Oplan project.

Furthermore, joint operations will also be conducted by the LTO-NCR and MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) police to ensure that only legitimate taxi operaors will be able to conduct business in the area. The LTO-NCR and PNP (Philippine National Police) will also have their own joint teams on all bus and public utility vehicle terminals to ensure the security of the riding pubic.

Motorists are encouraged to leave early, so as not to get caught in the sticky traffic of this expected migration en masse and to ensure a safe voyage and a meaningful season of remembering lost loved ones.