2 government agencies prepare for Kalag-Kalag

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office-7 is now on heightened alert in preparation for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on November 1 and 2.

LTO-7 Regional Director Glen G. Galario has instructed the region's Operations Division to activate the DOTr-LTO Oplan Biyaheng Ayos!: Undas 2024.

This drive is in line with directives from Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and compliance of motorists, the general public, and other road users traveling to cemeteries and columbariums.

"Today, October 28, marks the official start of our Oplan Biyaheng Ayos for Undas 2024, which will run until November 4. In the days leading up to November 1 and 2, our personnel will inspect all public transportation vehicles at terminals across the region to ensure they are roadworthy," Galario stated.

He added that random roadside inspections will also be conducted throughout the region's provinces to verify that public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers maintain compliance even after terminal inspections.

 Galario noted that during their pre-oplan operations, 122 PUVs passed the inspection, while nine public utility buses and vehicles were advised to correct defects identified during the inspection. These pre-oplan operations were conducted last week from October 21 to October 25.

Galario also warned against the use of illegally operated motor vehicles, known as colorum vehicles.

"We urge the riding public never to patronize colorum vehicles because, aside from operating without legal documents, these vehicles are not inspected, meaning we cannot guarantee their roadworthiness," Galario said.

LTO-7 personnel will conduct visual inspections at public transportation terminals, including roadworthiness checks of PUVs, and provide driver education to public utility drivers.

Influx of passengers

In a related development, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is preparing for an influx of passengers during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, including in Cebu.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stated that all necessary preparations have been made to handle the increased volume of travelers at airports, seaports, and bus terminals.

DOTr expects "millions" of passengers to travel to various provinces this week.

 "Actually, millions ‘yung tinitingnan natin. Every year naman millions ‘yung estimate natin. Siguro ‘yun lang bus passengers lang natin aabutin ‘yan mga 1 to 1.5 million passengers…Airports and seaports siguro easy diyan mga three million ang magbi-biyahe,” Bautista said in a press briefing in Malacañan yesterday.

Bautista confirmed that all airports and seaports in the country are currently operational despite the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Ang Department of Transportation together with the other attached agencies – ang CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), and PPA (Philippine Ports Authority), MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority), and Cebu International Airport – we are getting ready for the Undas Biyahe,” Bautista said.

The Oplan Biyaheng Ayos is already in place.

"“Every year we have this Oplan Biyaheng Ayos para sa ating mga mananakay. So, ready tayo. Katulong din natin diyan ang Philippine Coast Guard,” Bautista said.

Despite some minor seaports in Regions IV-A and V sustaining damages worth around P100 million due to the storm, preparations continue to ensure a smooth and safe observance of Undas 2024. (CEBU NEWS)