Laguna Governor Sol Aragones is taking bold steps to address one of the province’s growing concerns — traffic congestion in Los Baños. On Friday, Aragones led a site inspection and ordered the immediate removal of electric posts that have long obstructed parts of the national highway.
Accompanied by Provincial Administrator Jerry Pelayo and Los Baños Mayor Niel Nocon, the governor personally checked several road sections where power poles were still standing in the middle of widened roads, causing serious bottlenecks and safety hazards for motorists.
Joining the initiative were key figures from the power sector including Jettison Tobias of Meralco’s San Pablo-Sta. Cruz Business Center, Lawrence Abueg of the Calamba Business Center, and Frederick Gomez of the Sta. Rosa Sector. Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were also on site to assess the situation and coordinate the upcoming clearing efforts.
The problematic poles — estimated to number around 50 along the national highway — were originally installed on road shoulders. However, when road-widening projects were implemented, the poles were left untouched, effectively intruding into lanes meant for traffic.
“These poles may not be the root cause of traffic, but removing them will free up entire lanes and significantly improve traffic flow,” Aragones stated. “This is about public safety and mobility — and we can’t afford to delay any longer.”
Clearing operations are expected to begin immediately, with full cooperation between the provincial government, Meralco, and the DPWH.
