MARCH 1, 2021 – In order to ensure impartiality in the validation process, a team composed of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire (BFP) and Civil Society Organization (CSO) conducted cross-post validation on the compliance of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Quirino on the road clearing operations.
It can be recalled that road clearing operations have been suspended due to the pandemic but resumed October last year pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-145. The said issuance took into consideration the quarantine classification of LGUs. Since Quirino is placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), the provincial and municipal governments were evaluated according to their full implementation of all the components of road clearing operations which include the removal of road obstructions, enactment of an enabling ordinance, conduct of an inventory of road obstructions, crafting and implementation of a displacement plan, rehabilitation on cleared roads, creation of a grievance mechanism and compliance with the ban on tricycles along national roads. Means of verifications (MOVs) were submitted to the validating teams to support their compliance.
The validation in the six (6) municipalities of the Province of Quirino was conducted last February 17-24, 2021 while provincial roads validation was done on March 1, 2021.
Prior to the validation, a levelling-off meeting was conducted on February 15, 2021 at the Quirino Watersports, Capitol Hills, San Marcos, Cabarroguis, Quirino to brief all the members of the Validation Teams on the process and conduct of validation.
DILG Quirino Provincial Director Salvacion Z. Baccay said that while LGUs may have their hands full with their response and actions to address the COVID-19 crisis, states that now more than ever, we need safer and accessible roads free from illegal and potentially hazardous encroachments. “We maintain the same resolve that road clearing operation is a year-long endeavor which requires sustained commitment.” PD Baccay said. (SOURCE: LGOO VI BLESSING GRACE G. SAGUN)
