Over the past months since the resumption of Oplan Balik Kalsada road clearing operations pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-145 dated October 27, 2020, several establishments were directed to clear from any obstruction the 10-meter area from the center line along the national, 7.5 meters in provincial, 5 meters in city, and 3 meters in barangay roads. Likewise, the road clearing operations includes the implementation of the prohibition of tricycles and motorized pedicabs along national roads and highways as provided for in DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-036.

A Task Force was created to undertake the operations in 3 phases: Inventory, Demolition and Removal of Obstructions, and Monitoring. Initial reports culled from the Inventory Team reveal removal of 800 illegal parked vehicles, 1, 022 cars under repair, 92 street and business signages, 42 encroachments such as mini-marts and stores, 17 extended canopies, 18 public/barangay structures and outposts, 50 woodcuts and plants, and 8 illegal vendors.

As of now, demolition and removal of encroachments and obstructions are still underway. At the same time, monitoring is also being undertaken to ensure that roads which have been cleared remain as such. 

The City Government is closely working and coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government to which regular reports on what has been accomplished are submitted.

City Mayor Dong Gualberto’s reminded that the road clearing operations will be a year-round activity in the City which requires sustained effort and implementation.

Oplan Balik Kalsada is a national directive issued by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself. The City Government aims to be compliant to ensure that roads remain accessible and safer to motorists and pedestrians alike as well as ease traffic congestion in the City.

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