DPWH activates motorist help centers for Peñafrancia festivities

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay—The regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Bicol has activated four motorist assistance centers in Camarines Sur to assist thousands of pilgrims going to the province for culmination of the week-long Our Lady of Peñafrancia religious festival on Sept. 21.

The religious festival kicked off on Sept. 13 with the “translacion” or “transfer,” a three-kilometer procession involving thousands of barefoot males, known as “voyadores,” carrying a replica of the 303-year-old image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, Bicol’s patroness, from its shrine to the Naga City Metropolitan Cathedral.

DPWH Bicol regional director Danilo Dequito directed the activation of the four centers due to the influx of devotees and visitors from other provinces who are going to Naga City to pay homage to Ina, the popular name of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, said DPWH spokesperson Lucy Castaneda.

The assistance centers, called “Lakbay Alalay,” were activated in coordination with the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police and local government units.

Castañeda said the centers were manned by engineers, automechanics, equipment operators and service crew to extend free roadside emergency assistance to motorists.

The Lakbay Alalay centers are located along the national highway in Barangay Gaongan, in Sipocot town; Barangay Concepcion Grande in Naga City; Barangay Sta. Teresita in Baao town; and Barangay Caraycayon in Tigaon town—all in Camarines Sur.