DPWH to track, remove ‘epal’ papal visit tarps

The Department of Public Works and Highways on Monday assured the public it will continue to track down and remove so-called "epal" tarpaulins being set up in time for Pope Francis' five-day visit to the Philippines.

 

DPWH Metro Manila director Reynaldo Tagudando gave the assurance after such tarpaulins began to appear in parts of the metropolis Sunday, radio dzBB reported.

 

Tagudando said his office will do its part in preparing for the papal visit by dismantling such tarpaulins and signage.

DPWH, magpapatuloy daw sa pagbabaklas ng mga tarpaulin ng epalitikos kaugnay sa Papal Visit.

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 11, 2015

 

"Epal" is a Filipino word for officials who post their names and faces on tarpaulins used as signage of their projects, or in greeting people on special occasions.

 

It has now taken the meaning of candidates introducing themselves to voters for election purposes.

 

On Sunday, the first of the so-called epal tarpaulins appeared along Quirino Avenue across the Ospital ng Maynila. They featured the message "Welcome His Holiness Pope Francis," with the logo of a soft drink and the name of a barangay chairman.

 

But as authorities removed those tarps, similar tarps emerged in Pasay City near the Villamor Airbase where the pope is to arrive on Thursday, Jan. 15.

 

Many of the tarpaulins were along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City. Another tarp minus the soft drink logo but with Pope Francis with the Philippine flag as backdrop also featured the barangay official's name. It was posted atop the barangay hall. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News