Consolacion Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado criticized the delay in completing the skywalk at Consolacion Central Elementary School, describing it as a danger to students and parents as classes open. The skywalk, located on the National Highway in front of the school, was originally scheduled to start construction in September 2024 and be completed by April 2025.
However, the project remains just a drawing and unfinished, causing inconvenience to residents and local officials. Mayor Alegado said parents have repeatedly expressed fear for their children’s safety, who are forced to cross one of the busiest roads in the town without a safe pedestrian facility while the overpass is being rehabilitated.
To address the problem, the local government formally submitted a complaint to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), requesting urgent action and the installation of a temporary pedestrian crossing for student safety. In a letter dated April 30, 2026, signed by Mayor Alegado, the local government asked the DPWH to help establish a temporary pedestrian lane near the school while repairs continue.
The letter outlined the urgent need to protect students, parents, and pedestrians who cross the national highway daily. “The safety of our students, parents, and pedestrians is our primary concern,” the mayor said, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to prevent accidents while the project remains unfinished.
The mayor said the local government has already held meetings and sent reminder letters to the DPWH regarding the project. The town has not yet received a response from the DPWH regarding the request for a temporary crossing.
The lack of a safe crossing not only brings safety concerns but also adds to traffic congestion, especially during school entry and dismissal hours when large numbers of students and parents gather near the highway. Local officials fear that the continued lack of a safe pedestrian facility could result in road accidents involving children and other pedestrians.
Parents have said their children are put at risk every day on their way to and from school. Mayor Alegado promised that the local government will continue to coordinate with the DPWH and other concerned agencies to expedite the completion of the project and ensure temporary safety measures are in place while construction continues.
