The victims of road traffic accidents were remembered during the World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims Nov. 21 at the Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod City.
A marker was unveiled as part of the activity, and aims to serve as a constant reminder to all commuters to observe road safety rules to prevent deaths and injuries, and save more lives.
The World Day of Remembrance is themed, “Act for Low Speeds/Act for Low Speed Streets”, and aims to raise awareness on road safety and preventable road accidents.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and other officials attended the activity, together with Capitol office heads and employees, national government agencies, non-government organizations, and private groups.
Lacson said that, in 2006, Negros Occidental was one of the pioneering provinces to adopt the UN Resolution which states that every third Sunday of November will be dedicated as World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims and their families.
He thanked Project Cares for being the provincial government’s partner in the advocacy.
“To the families who have lost a loved one on the road, we are with you in remembering them,” Lacson said in a press release from the Capitol. “May this day of memorial drive us not to just reflect on the lives lost but to act timely and accordingly in order to save lives, and avoid further loss.”
He also said that the task to ensure road safety rests on the efficient cooperation among sectors and agencies capable of effecting change and improvement – from legislation to pertinent laws, strict implementation, appropriate management, and the disciplined adherence of the people.
A Holy Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Brigido Casas, followed by the candle lighting, prayers and floral offerings at the road safety memorial tree at the Capitol Park.
Board Members Juvy Pepello, Pal Guanzon, and Miguel Alonso, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office director, P/Col. Romy Palgue, and May Altarejos Cueva of Project Cares, among others, attended the memorial.
Meanwhile, Lacson led the distribution of cash assistance to victims of flood and fire incidents in San Carlos City, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
Seventeen flood victims received a total of P85,000, while 64 fire victims got P640,000 in cash assistance.
Eighty senior citizens also received social pensions, at P3,000 each, for January to June this year.
PSWDO officer-in-charge Merle Garcia and her staff facilitated the distribution of assistance to the beneficiaries.
San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo and other local officials were present at the activity.
Lacson also urged every beneficiary to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help achieve herd immunity. | NND
