Meycauayan City, Bulacan has been known for road-related projects in which the local government are continuously making efforts for the issue to be resolved. Regardless of continuous improvement of the road, it will be seen in Blog 1 that residents in other barangays are still raising their complaints in the road potholes and cracks. There are many factories and companies operating heavy-loaded trucks who reside in the city. This is making sense that one of the factors in road potholes and cracks are the big trucks which will be discussed in the final report. The report contains the collaboration, opinions, suggestions and facts of every side of the stories, as well as who should be held accountable in the situation. Below is the actual text of news report:
Residents to operating factories: "they should hold accountability regarding road-related issues"
June 6, 2022 | Angelina Mae P. Regalia
Date taken: June 5, 2022 | Actual picture of the road in Cadena de Amor St., Perez, Meycauayan City, Bulacan
Residents in barangay Perez, Bahay Pari and Camalig in Meycauayan City, Bulacan have been sending complains regarding road potholes and cracks for many years. Reports regarding traffic jams, congestion and accidents in the barangay made residents being alarmed by the situation.
Karl Justin Babelonia, a 19-year-old resident of Barangay Perez raised his complaints and personal experiences regarding the issue. "Here, a lot of commuters via e-trikes, sidecars, private motorcycles, and cars are often getting into traffic jams here in the market center due to the imperfections on the road. Instead of going on, part of their time is consumed to maneuver their vehicles to just pass on to the really bumpy road. Congestions could go several meters in the tiny main road, and it is from the potholes and cracks."
Here are some photos of the road in Barangay Perez, particularly in Cadena de Amor St. in which road damages are in critical situation:
Date taken: June 5, 2022 | Actual picture of the road potholes in Cadena de Amor St., Perez, Meycauayan City, Bulacan
One common factor considered in this issue is that these barangays with evident cases of road-related concerns are surrounded by factories that are operating with heavy-loaded trucks.
Date taken: June 4, 2022 | Video of the usual routes of trucks in Camalig, Bahay Pari and Perez
"Maraming mga truck at pabrika na nago-operate sa paligid ng barangay na isa sa sanhi ng issue sa barangay," says Perez Barangay Captain Harold Añonuevo, as he confirmed and showed awareness regarding the issue.
Contrary to these statements, Camalig Barangay Captain Mark Joseph Violago said on a phone call that even though surrounded by factories, road-related issues are not the primary concern in the barangay, yet it should not be neglected as raised by the residents.
Citizens are imposing that factories near residences should be held accountable regarding this issue.
Figure 1: Do you think that factories nearby are accountable regarding the issue
Clarifying the issue regarding accountability, Styrotech Camalig Production Supervisor Sonny Regalia stated, "Our national roads were under the local government unit, so anything that will happen to these roads is under the engineering department for preventive maintenance of these government-owned highways." as he contradicted that the private sector should not have the responsibility of addressing public-owned spaces.
Both the barangay captains supported the statement. They think that problems with roads should be fixed by the government with the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), since roads are public property.
Furthermore, Merylou Gemina, a resident of Bahay Pari who is also experiencing issues regarding the matter, showed appreciation as she is seeing efforts by the local government. "The road is constantly fixed, although it will be much appreciated if they think of a way to permanently fix the problem instead of fixing it over and over again after a few years."
The common solutions of the following barangays are to request budgetary funds to resolve this issue, as financial capability should be considered in reconstructing the roads. In addition to asking for money, some people also came up with ideas for how to solve the problem.
Figure 2: Interviewee Elisa Francisco's statement for suggested solution/s regarding the issue
Elisa Francisco, a resident of Barangay Camalig suggested a more concrete solution to resolve the issue, in which "the factors to be considered are the proper ingredients in making roads." [It is essential] to put proper Kabillas inside the road. "
Contributing to the suggested solutions, Julia Punzalan, also a resident of barangay Bahay Pari also mentioned the need for more steel under the concrete to be able to carry extensible loads and increase the strength of the concrete used.
Furthermore, to add a solution, an infographic presentation below would be a great help concerning long-term solution for the road potholes and cracks in the barangay:
Figure 3: Infograph about patching and crack sealing procedures
Summary:
The local government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should be responsible for addressing road-related problems. Potholes and cracks in the road must be repaired immediately in order to prevent accidents and improve traffic flow. Companies and factories are not as accountable as locals assume. The local authority should address the issue and provide a long-term solution for the roads in order to prevent constant maintenance.
Proof of Interviews:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qa8TEoBQI04Lg3MOgxWZ88DYuuoJezIb?usp=sharing
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