The entry point leading to Sto. Tomas town, Davao del Norte. (Photo by Mart Sambalud)
DAVAO CITY--The town of Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte has created an inter-agency task force to ensure a smooth flow of transportation along the municipal, provincial and national highways.
In a statement on Friday, Mayor Ernesto Evangelista said the “Oplan Kalsada” is in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte mandating local government units to remove obstruction from roads that may hinder vehicular traffic and the flow of people.
Evangelista said the Oplan Kalsada task force will clear all public roads of obstructions.
“This addresses problems on prohibited parking, loading, unloading of passenger vehicles in areas of the municipal and barangay roads,” the mayor said.
Evangelista said the use of roads and shoulders as solar dryer for agricultural crops will also be prohibited.
Vending stalls occupying the shoulders of the road will also be dismantled, he said, including the overstaying ambulant vendors or baratillo stalls, whose occupancy permit has already expired.
Evangelista also instructed all village officials to refrain from issuing certifications and clearances or even endorsements for all applications of business permits to "all operators of videoke, refreshment bars, carinderias, restaurants and other similar establishments located on the national highway when these establishments lack ample parking space."
The rule requiring parking space availability for establishments, he said, is covered under the National Building Code. (PNA)
