Public Safety Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay told SunStar Davao in a short text message that their office, along with other concerned agencies that are part of the Coastal Road Council, is set to discuss the matter in a meeting on Wednesday, February 2.
“It’s up sa (to the) council kung [i]-approve [ang] mga recommendations ko (if they would approve my recommendations),” Sumagaysay said.
The official declined to discuss further his recommendation as this has yet to be approved by the body.
Sumagaysay, however, said in a radio interview on Friday, January 28, that manning authorities were having a hard time in enforcing some of the policies as some bikers were not using the bike lanes, while others failed to abide with the minimum health protocols.
“Natural ang unang adlaw lisod pa kay very excited pa ang mga tao, eh. So ato gina-advisan na kung naga-bike ka, sa bike lane ka kay ang karsada para sa mga joggers (It is natural on the first day that people are very excited. So I advise that if you’re a biker, use the bike lanes since the road is intended for joggers),” Sumagaysay said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.
The coastal road was opened to the public but limited to recreational activities on Friday, January 28.
According to the City Government, the coastal road will be opened to the public daily from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Among the allowed activities are walking, biking, playing, jogging, exercise and skating.
Vehicles and motorcycles, however, are not allowed, and that must be parked at designated parking areas.
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) had reportedly ticketed vehicles illegally parked along the coastal road.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on Monday, January 31, that the City Government requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to allow the coastal road to be opened to the public as an additional recreational activity area.
“We opened our coastal road because we wanted an additional area para sa mga tao nga makagawas sila and open air na area (for people to go out and to have an open air area),” she said.
“Napansin nato nga kadaghanan magtapok na sa (We noticed that most of them flock at) Shrine Hills, sa (in) Langub, and we wanted another area for everyone. Since wala paman gigamit ang coastal road (the coastal road is still not open) for motor vehicles, we talked with DPWH to open it for everyone,” she added.
Duterte-Carpio also said that the influx of people was expected considering it is still new.
“Don’t worry because as usual sa sugod ingon ana man na ang tanang mga tao magtapok didto kung unsay uso (the influx of people would be expected from the start since it is still part of the trend). We expect that it will taper down and die down in the coming weeks diha sa (at the) Coastal Road,” she said.
