The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led by Vice Gov. Rene Lopez Relampagos approved on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, the request of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) to ratify the proposed names of some provincial roads here in the province, according to a report from the Provincial Board.
The move is being done in order to have a well-defined road identification system that reflects the specific vicinities traversed by these roads.
In the committee report presented by First District Board Member Ricky Masamayor, chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, Highways & Related Infrastructures, it was recommended that the SP will adopt the new names of 113 provincial roads, as proposed by the PEO, headed by Engr. Camilo Gasatan.
Currently, there are 157 provincial roads in Bohol.
Based on the committee report, out of the 157 provincial roads, 94 roads are classified as core roads, which are busy thoroughfares and there are 63 non-core roads in Bohol, which are not frequently used by motorists.
The same report further states that 80 out of 94 core roads were given new names, while 33 out of the 63 non-core roads were provided with new names as well.
If the original name of the road or bridge is after the locality or does not have a historical or cultural significance, there is no need to consult the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for the name change, according to the Local Government Code.
Accordingly, roads are classified into national roads, provincial roads, city/municipal roads, and barangay roads.
National roads are under the responsibility of the national government thru the Department of Public Works and Highways.
On the other hand, the provincial roads, city/municipal roads, and barangay roads are under the responsibility of the province, city/municipality, and barangay governments respectively.
Reports say that the PEO is managing more than 800 kms. of provincial roads.
It is said that due to the limited capacity of barangays to maintain the roads under their care, most often they get assistance from the city/municipality, provincial or national government.
