Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., chairperson of the Committee on Oversight, led a joint committee hearing on the urgent need to improve street lighting and road safety along the Davao City Coastal Road following a series of vehicular accidents.
Mahipus co-presided over the hearing on adequate street lighting along the Coastal Road with Councilor Louie John Bonguyan, chairperson of the Committee on Energy and Water, on June 29.
The hearing stemmed from Mahipus’ call for immediate government intervention to address the increasing number of accidents along the national highway.
In his privilege speech, he stressed that the incidents are no longer isolated cases but indicate persistent safety concerns caused by inadequate lighting, road design, illegal activities, and other hazards affecting motorists.
To address these issues, the committee summoned representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 11 (DPWH-11) – Coastal Road Management Office, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) to present updates on ongoing and planned interventions.
During the hearing, the DPWH reported that replacement solar lighting units for Segment B are already available, with installation set to begin soon following a successful trial installation in the area.
Mahipus urged the agency to expedite the project.
“The installation of the replacement lighting system must be treated with urgency. Every delay places the lives of motorists at greater risk,” Mahipus said.
Meanwhile, the City Engineer’s Office disclosed that the City Government of Davao is preparing to allocate approximately P13.6 million for the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights in sections where existing lighting has become non-functional due to the theft of electrical wiring.
While welcoming the city’s initiative, Mahipus emphasized that the replacement lighting should meet higher standards.
“The solar lamps must provide superior brightness and significantly improve nighttime visibility. Public safety should never be compromised by substandard infrastructure,” he said.
Mahipus also urged the DPWH to immediately install additional warning blinkers, traffic warning devices, and other road safety measures to minimize accidents while permanent improvements are being completed.
He stressed that public safety should not be delayed by bureaucracy.
“If the DPWH fails to act with the urgency that public safety demands, I will personally elevate the matter and pursue the appropriate action to determine whether the project complies with the required safety standards and whether accountability should be imposed,” Mahipus said.
