ALL SAINTS/SOULS DAY: MEASURES FOR LONG WEEKEND READIED
[PHOTO - EARLY BIRDS: Filipinos, with their minds set on spending the long weekend back in their respective provinces in observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, begin to crowd the ticketing offices of provincial bus terminals at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011. See also Measures for long weekend readied (Photo by MARK BALMORES)]
MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2011 (BULLETIN) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urged the public to be mindful of the impact of their activities in the environment, especially during the observance of All Saints' and All Souls' Days.
"This coming four-day weekend is one opportunity that majority of us will definitely take advantage of to be with our loved ones whether living, departed or both. However, we choose to celebrate the long weekend, let us also be mindful of the impact of our activities on our environment," Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said. He appealed to the public to prevent littering in cemeteries.
Also, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has prepared contingency measures to address road problems during the long weekend.
DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said that they have activated the Motorists' Assistance Centers in strategic locations along national highways nationwide for the annual holiday trip.
Singson said that he has ordered all regional directors and district engineers to activate the regular "Lakbay-Alalay" program to assist any motorists who might encounter any problems during the road trip.
The motorists' assistance center will begin on Oct. 28 until noon of Nov. 3.
This developed as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) has "loaned" five helicopter units from the private sector to be on stand-by and ready for the government's use to respond to accidents during the long weekend.
DoTC Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said the "loaned" helicopters will be deployed to a composite quick response team in case of accidents and emergency evacuation, particularly those involving passengers either transiting from the provinces or going back to Metro Manila.
At a meeting with government agencies involved in land, rail, sea, and air transport for their "Ligtas na Undas" plan, Roxas said that he decided to revert to the private sector's air assets for its own use than to borrow from the military since their use will be urgent and more on accident response.
But Roxas clarified that the government did not totally rent the helicopters and will pay them only if they are used. (with reports from Ellalyn De Vera, Raymund Antonio and Kris Bayos)
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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