PUBLIC WORKS and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar made an onsite inspection on Tuesday of the two highways in Pangasinan — the Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem and Daang Katutubo in Aguilar — that were temporarily closed starting Monday following accidents and the accumulation of garbage on the roadside. The closure took effect Monday after an emergency meeting attended by representatives from national agencies and local government units led by Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, who heads the Pangasinan Provincial Advisory Council. In a statement from the Lingayen information office, Mr. Bataoil said there is a need to “come-up with plans and action to address various safety and environmental concerns.” In a separate statement issued on Sunday, Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Jumel Anthony I. Espino said he recommended the closure after another fatal accident that morning. Mr. Espino also cited the problem faced by the local government over garbage left by those passing through and visiting the scenic Daang Kalikasan. Both Mangatarem and Aguilar are under the 2nd District. “The temporary closure is intended to further improve the road and completely finish the project. We will also assess what needs to be done for the safety of everyone,” he wrote in Filipino.

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