Clear public roads, spaces of obstruction: Mayor

ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco reminded barangay officials to clear public roads and spaces of all obstruction and to maintain the cleanliness of their respective places and ensure that all roads and walking paths are free from obstruction. 

Climaco noticed during one of her inspections that many roads and walking paths are again obstructed with parked cars, among others.  She said barangay officials should clear public roads and spaces of all obstruction as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In July 2019, the DILG - upon Duterte’s order - issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121 which gave mayors 60 days “to exercise their powers essential to reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends, and in the process rid them of illegal structures and constructions.” 

Following Duterte’s directive, Climaco – together with barangay officials – led a massive operation called “Oplan Baklas” against road obstructions even though the local government had been implementing this long before the DILG order.

Because of Climaco’s efforts, Zamboanga was cited by the DILG for its vigorous road-clearing campaign, including the strict enforcement of the anti-littering, anti-garbage and anti-traffic laws and city ordinances. The DILG commended Climaco and the local government for its efforts in implementing Duterte’s order to clear public roads of all obstruction.

Many barangays now are virtually back to what they were prior to the DILG order despite repeated orders from Climaco to maintain the cleanliness and clear public roads and spaces of all obstructions. (Zamboanga Post)