• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Several pedestrian lane markings near schools in Bacolod City were repainted ahead of the opening of classes today, June 8, by personnel of the City Engineer’s Office-Highway Maintenance Division and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department.
Among these are crossings fronting the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, Andres Bonifacio ES, Education and Training Center School (ETCS), and Banago ES. Other lanes will also be repainted soon to ensure the safety of students, parents, school personnel, and other pedestrians, the CEO said June 7.
The effort followed an earlier call from the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the need to conduct an “immediate citywide assessment, repainting, and regular maintenance of all pedestrian lanes within Bacolod, particularly those near schools…to ensure the safety and protection of pedestrians.”
The SP, in approving the resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, noted that numerous pedestrian lanes within Bacolod have become faded, or no longer readily visible, due to weather conditions, heavy vehicular traffic, and the passage of time.
“The deterioration of pedestrian lane markings poses risks, particularly to children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, students, and other vulnerable road users, who rely on such markings for their safety,” Distrito stressed.
“With the opening of classes and the increased movement of students, parents, teachers, and school personnel, there is a pressing need to ensure that pedestrian lanes, particularly those located near schools, are clearly visible and properly maintained,” he added. “Pedestrian lanes are among the most basic yet most important road safety facilities in any city. Their visibility can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. As classes resume, we must ensure that our roads are safe for every student and pedestrian.” | CGC
