HPG gets donations for traffic improvement

MANILA, Philippines - The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is getting donations of gadgets and equipment to make it more effective in improving the flow of traffic along EDSA, which has virtually turned into a 23.8-kilometer parking lot.

HPG director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao said a number of private firms and groups have indicated their intention to donate equipment and gadgets to help HPG troops address the traffic problem along EDSA.

“We have been receiving calls and information from groups indicating their plans to donate something to us and we are really thankful,” he said.

Gunnacao said the Management Association of the Philippines donated 200 orange raincoats, 200 rubber boots, 200 rechargeable LED flashlights, 200 pairs of gloves, 200 facemasks and six digital cameras.

Gunnacao said the equipment would be distributed to HPG troops while the six digital cameras will be given to the team manning the six chokepoints – Balintawak, Cubao, Ortigas, Shaw Blvd., Guadalupe and Pasay Rotonda.

Other private groups, including the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), have vowed to send 24 tents for the HPG.

The AAP earlier sent 200 copies of the handbook of Republic Act 4136, which includes road signs and other traffic laws.

Gunnacao said donations from various groups would be a big help to HPG and its personnel, who would be inspired to work harder in improving the traffic situation along EDSA.

Although flow of traffic along EDSA remains heavy, the HPG has been receiving positive feedback for the effort to improve travel time along the major thoroughfare.

The HPG is eyeing more strategies to be implemented along EDSA to further ease congestion, with some sectors noting an improvement in the traffic situation along the major highway. – With Mike Frialde, Delon Porcalla, Paolo Romero, Robertzon Ramirez