By Michelle Ducut
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Bicol (DPWH-5) has reinforced its workforce and equipment to accelerate repairs on the heavily congested Andaya Highway in Camarines Sur.
DPWH-5 Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte issued a directive on Friday, mobilizing additional manpower, trucks, and equipment from various district engineering offices to support the ongoing roadworks. The second and third district offices of Camarines Sur will assist the first district, while resources from the fourth district and Sorsogon’s first district will bolster efforts in the Camarines Norte District Engineering Office.
The augmentation aims to expedite temporary repairs, with the department targeting the reopening of two lanes for vehicular use by the weekend.
In parallel, the Land Transportation Office-Bicol (LTO-5) has deployed drones to enhance traffic monitoring and enforcement along the Sipocot-Lupi-Ragay route. The real-time surveillance provided by the drones enables authorities to assess traffic conditions more effectively and identify violators, particularly those engaging in counterflows.
LTO-Bicol emphasized that the technology serves as both a monitoring tool and a deterrent to traffic violations, helping to ensure smoother traffic flow as repair efforts continue.