Students at a public high school in Calasiao, Pangasinan face safety risks every day as they cross a busy road where the pedestrian lane has already faded, forcing traffic enforcers to stop vehicles manually to help them get across.
At the entrance of Calasiao Comprehensive National High School, the worn-out pedestrian markings have made it difficult for students to cross safely, especially during rush hours.
To prevent accidents, personnel from the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) temporarily stop vehicles to allow students to cross the highway.
POSO enforcer Rodel Andaya said a clearly marked pedestrian lane would make it easier for both students and motorists to follow traffic rules.
“Medyo mahirap kasi hindi nasusunod 'yung daanan. Mas maganda may pedestrian road para magandang usapan sa mga driver, hindi 'yung paikot-ikot 'yung tatawiran nila. Ito, harang-harang na lang ginagawa ko para maprotektahan 'yung tatawid na mga bata,” he said.
Emelliana Rubilyn Alegria, a student, said crossing the road becomes difficult without someone directing traffic.
“Kasi po 'pag wala pong nagtuturo kung kailan tatawid, mahihirapan po tayo. Para mapadali po 'yung pagtawid sa kalsada. Dapat may mag-lead sa atin,” she said.
Meanwhile, parents also raised concerns about the area outside Calasiao Central Elementary School, where fast-moving vehicles and illegally parked cars sometimes block the pedestrian lane.
Maria Palsimon, a parent, said it is important to have safe crossing areas, especially during school opening and dismissal.
“Napakahalaga nito para sa kaligtasan ng mga bata, pati na rin sa parents, lalo na pag busy hours, pag labasan at pagpasok na rin kasi sobrang dami ng mga bata at the same time madami din sasakyan,” she said.
Police officers and POSO enforcers continue to assist students and motorists near schools to ensure safe road crossings.
GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon has sought a statement from the concerned authorities regarding the restoration of the pedestrian lane in front of Calasiao Comprehensive National High School but has yet to receive a response, as of press time.
