Opinion: Road Accidents in Aklan – A Growing Threat to Lives, Livelihoods, and Local Development

By: Guillermo Sumbiling

KALIBO, Aklan- Road accidents are no longer rare or isolated incidents in the province of Aklan—they have become an almost daily reality. Whether on the main highways connecting Kalibo to Numancia, Banga, or Ibajay, or on narrow barangay roads in interior communities like Madalag, Altavas, Libacao, Buruanga, the rising number of vehicular mishaps is alarming. These accidents are not just statistics—they are tragedies with real human, economic, and social costs.

A common observation among residents and local officials is that many of these accidents occur outside the main urban centers, in barangay roads and sitios that are poorly lit, uneven, and outside the regular monitoring of our overstretched Philippine National Police (PNP) force. With limited personnel and equipment, the PNP cannot adequately cover all corners of our growing municipalities.

Worse, one of the most persistent causes of these late-night tragedies is alcohol. The combination of alcohol intoxication, motorcycle use, lack of helmets, and poorly maintained roads has proven to be a deadly mix. It is not uncommon to hear of young riders losing control after a drinking session, or commuters being struck by reckless drivers on dark roads with no signage or speed bumps.

The Invisible Costs of Everyday Crashes

These road accidents have far-reaching effects. Beyond the immediate trauma and medical emergencies, there are broader consequences to public mobility and economic stability. Victims often require hospitalization that strains both families and public health services. Families lose income earners. Local businesses lose workers. Health centers are forced to reallocate limited resources to address avoidable injuries.

Furthermore, vehicle accident insurance premiums go up, costing drivers and operators more. Government services—from PhilHealth to local social welfare—are indirectly burdened by these avoidable events. The ripple effect impacts everyone in the community.

A Crisis of Road Governance and Prevention

The root of the problem is not only on the roads, but also in the system that governs them—or fails to. Enforcement of road rules is weak, especially in rural areas. Many drivers do not possess proper licenses, wear no protective gear, and disregard basic traffic rules. Barangay roads lack reflectors, signage, or barriers. And enforcement mechanisms such as checkpoints or community patrols are few and far between.

While national road safety laws exist, their implementation must be localized and reinforced. Local government units—especially municipal and barangay officials—must recognize that road safety is not only a job for the PNP or LTO. It is their mandate as well.

Call to Action: Time for a Whole-of-Province Approach

The rising tide of road accidents in Aklan demands a collective and urgent response. We call on the provincial government and municipal leaders to:
1. Strengthen barangay-level enforcement through trained tanods or community safety officers to monitor and respond to road safety violations.
2. Invest in safer barangay road infrastructure—install streetlights, speed bumps, warning signs, and pavement markings, especially near schools and populated areas.
3. Launch anti-drunk driving campaigns in partnership with the police, churches, and civic groups, especially targeting weekend and night-time accidents.
4. Organize road safety education programs in schools, workplaces, and transport cooperatives.
5. Coordinate a multi-agency task force that includes the provincial health office, engineering office, police, and community leaders to develop a Road Safety Masterplan for Aklan.

If no action is taken, the loss will continue—not just of lives, but of the peace, safety, and productivity of our people. Road safety must be at the core of local governance.

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It is not simply a traffic issue—it is a matter of public health, social justice, and human dignity.

Let us not wait for the next fatal crash to act. The roads of Aklan should lead to progress, not to pain.