Safety along Daang Kalikasan, Katutubo

WITHOUT a doubt, the new tourism destination in Pangasinan are the Daang Kalikasan and Daang Katutubo in Mangatarem and Aguilar respectively. And the creation of task forces to oversee the safety of motorists and protection of the two areas is a step in the right direction. The report that seven already died while traversing the new roads is enough to raise the red flag alert for the two local governments.

While we do not assume to know better than the authorities on the ground, we wish to submit a number of recommendations:

• The winding roads must have signs for tight curves and heights, signs warning against throwing of cigarette butts, bottles and wastes are punishable, must be installed before opening the roads.
• Cat’s Eye studs should be installed on sharp curves.
• Entry checkpoints for identification of drivers must be installed from both sides. This is to follow the experience of Kennon Road’s Zigzag area in the 50s-60s. This way, it will help motorists realize that they are being watched, at the same time information of drivers will provide responders basic information in case of accidents.
• Install CCTV cameras on strategic accident-prone areas.
• Viewing decks with parking spaces must be developed to allow for safe viewing and safe parking.
• Strictly No Parking outside of viewing decks except in case of emergencies.
• Motorcycle police patrols must be visibly stationed 24/7 along the road.
• An ambulance must be stationed in the middle of each of the two roads.

The worst that can happen to the province is for these two roads be tagged a “Death Roads” or “Killer roads”.

 

Forgiving President

WHO said President Duterte is merciless?  That he has a heart of stone?  That he is incapable of affection? By accepting the public apology of ABS-CBN, he debunked all that.  By forgiving the nation’s biggest television outfit of a despicable sin in a commercial practically shaming the President, Mr. Duterte embraced the timeless Christian tenet: To forgive is divine.  Never was the President vengeful even as it took ABS-CBN four years to admit its mistake. While others might have readily taken ABS-CBN to task for arrogance, not Tatay Digong.  Pride, Mr. Duterte readily threw out the window.  In fact, the President even showed what sincere forgiveness is: When ABS-CBN offered to return the P2 million to the President for failing to air Mr. Duterte’s political ad in 2016, the Chief Executive rejected the gesture.  “Please give that instead to charity,” he said.  Now, who can top that?

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