CITY OF SAN FERNANDO Department of Public Works and Highways - Region III (DPWH-3) urged other provinces in Central Luzon to join the campaign against overloaded trucks.
DPWH-3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino instructed district engineers of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac to cooperate with their respective local officials for an intensified implementation of anti-overloading policy.
During his meeting with the 14 district engineers recently, Tolentino cited Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda’s initiative to suspend the quarry operations for 15 days despite the loss of
revenues.
The move will allow hauling companies to comply with the gross weight allowed by Republic Act No. 8794.
“His action was motivated by his desire to maintain the integrity of the roads and prevent further damage to the pavements caused by overloaded vehicles,” Tolentino said.
The DPWH official said that several roads are now in need of repair due to heavy trucks passing.
These include Daang Maharlika, Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA), and the Manila North Road.
“We have already received reports that road networks in Tarlac such as Sta Rosa – Tarlac Road and La Paz-Concepcion Road are also suffering the same fate as they have served as alternative routes for truckers after Pampanga and other local government units have begun banning the entry of overloaded trucks into their jurisdictions,” Tolentino said.
The DPWH regional director challenged the provincial government of Nueva Ecija to followsuit after Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando issued Executive Order No. 21 in August this year.
The EO mandated the temporary suspension of all mining permits on quarrying, dredging, desilting and other types of mineral extractive operations in the province.
Nueva Ecija Second District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad said Governor Aurelio Umali already expressed his intent to work with the agency to resolve overloading concerns.
He asked about the possibility of operating weighing stations at the entry points of the province to ensure that anti-overloading law will be enforced.
Tarlac Second District Engineer Edward Ricardo Ramos reported that the Tarlac Provincial Administrator has sought their help to install portable weighing scales in the province's quarry sites to help limit the amount of quarry materials loaded by haulers.
In response, Tolentino ordered the DPWH Regional Maintenance Division to document the procedures implemented by the provincial government of Pampanga in relation to the implementation of the anti-overloading policy.
The DPWH executive also asked the maintenance division to set a meeting with provincial governments where the damaged roads are located.
Nueva Ecija Third District Representative Ria Vergara expressed her willingness to help in the anti-overloading campaign.
“DPWH will continue to upgrade our road networks but you, as District Engineers, in coordination with local governments, must ensure that all truck operators comply with the provisions of RA 8794,” Tolentino said.