PROVINCE OF CAGAYAN – Cagayan deployed thirty (30) validation teams to assess the compliance of the Local Government Units on the presidential directive to clear all public thoroughfares of illegal obstructions and structures.

Pursuant to Department Memorandum dated January 19, 2021 issued by Officer-In-Charge Bernardo C. Florece, Jr., the validation teams were tasked to check on the road clearing accomplishments and initiatives of the LGUs, particularly the inventory, displacement strategy, rehabilitation efforts, and grievance machinery. Moreover, they were directed to conduct document review, especially on the road regulating ordinances crafted by the different local Sanggunian.

Likewise, LGUs were also evaluated on the regulations they have adopted to ensure public safety in national roads. It may be recalled that by virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 2020-036, the DILG has reiterated the ban of tricycles and pedicabs on national roads, and directed the LGUs to formulate ordinances

relative thereto. However, the Department clarified that LGUs may provide exemption on the said prohibition if there are no alternate routes as determined by the concerned Sanggunian, provided that safety measures are in place.

Earlier, the Provincial Management Coordinating Committee (PMCC), composed of the heads of office of DILG, PNP and BFP, convened to devise a provincial structure that will facilitate the smooth and orderly conduct of the validation. DILG Cagayan Dir. Ruperto B. Maribbay, PMCC Chairperson, highlighted during the meeting the significance of road clearing validation in policy development.

The validation teams are composed of the officials from the DILG, PNP, and BFP, as well as representatives from Civil Society Organizations. (SOURCE: LGOO II RENZ ANGELO P. UMAMBONG)