By Helen Castaño | 03:52 PM November 15, 2026
Residents joined the launch of the Boholano Advocates for Guided Traffic Awareness and Safety (Bagtas) on Sunday, November 15, 2026, in Tagbilaran City, as part of the observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. — Helen Castaño
TAGBILARAN CITY – A citizen-led coalition advocating safer roads in Bohol was launched on Sunday, November 15, amid growing concerns over road crashes that have claimed the lives of pedestrians, cyclists, senior citizens and children.
The Boholano Advocates for Guided Traffic Awareness and Safety (Bagtas) was formally introduced during the observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, bringing together government agencies, civic organizations and road safety advocates to push for coordinated efforts to prevent road deaths and injuries.
The coalition cited recent fatal incidents involving a pedestrian in Tagbilaran City, a cyclist in Calape, an elderly woman in Panglao and a child in Maribojoc as reminders of the urgent need to improve road safety.
Capt. Jose Balbino M. Luspo, retired Philippine Coast Guard officer and Bagtas spokesperson, said the coalition was formed to give communities a platform to raise road safety concerns and work with government agencies toward practical solutions.
“No family should have to lose someone before road safety becomes a priority,” Luspo said.
Bagtas called for safer roads, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycle riders, public transport users, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The launch was attended by representatives of the Department of Health, Land Transportation Office Region VII, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Philippine Red Cross and Tagbilaran City government.
Activities began with a remembrance Mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine-Parish, presided over by Tagbilaran Bishop Crispin “Bai” Barrete Varquez.
Participants later held a ceremonial pedestrian crossing near Tagbilaran City Hall to highlight the importance of accessible and safe streets for all road users.
A candle-lighting ceremony also honored those killed or injured in road crashes, their families and emergency responders.
Bagtas convenor John Alison “Tonton” Uy (left) and co-convenor, retired Philippine Coast Guard Capt. Jose Balbino Luspo (right). — Helen Castaño
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap welcomed the participation of Bagtas in identifying road safety concerns and pursuing improvements with the appropriate government offices.
“A safer Tagbilaran means paying attention to how people actually use our streets, including those who need more time or assistance to cross,” Yap said.
LTO-7 Regional Director Wendel Dinglasan also expressed support for the coalition, commending its efforts to bring Boholanos together to help prevent road deaths and injuries.
As its initial initiatives, Bagtas plans to gather road safety data, identify priority locations with community participation, seek joint assessments with concerned government offices and establish a standardized system for reporting road crashes in Tagbilaran City.
The coalition said it would provide updates on its initiatives and plans for 2027.
Bagtas also urged residents, schools, transport groups, businesses and civic organizations to participate in its advocacy.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed every third Sunday of November. The Philippines also observes the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, Survivors and Their Families under Republic Act No. 11468.
