M.J. Cuenco widening DPWH urged: Dialogue with affected residents

CEBU, Philippines - Mabolo Barangay Captain Rey Ompoc urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct a dialogue with the residents who will be affected by the widening of MJ Cuenco Avenue.

He said the barangay is caught in the crossfire resulting to residents accusing them of being bias to the national government.

“Dapat gyud ang DPWH makig-dialogue sa mga residente adto sa barangay. Kay lisod kaayo na, proyekto man gud ni sa national government, wala mi mabuhat (DPWH should hold a dialogue with the affected residents in the barangay. It is very difficult because we could not do anything since it is a national government project),” Ompoc said.

He said that DPWH ought to hear the concerns of the residents on the unequal measurement of portions to be cleared on both sides of the road.

“Ngano man sad gud na mas dako ang pikas? Klaruhon unta ni sa DPWH aron magkasinabot sila (And why is it that the other side of the road is bigger? DPWH should be fair to be able to reach an agreement with the residents),” Ompoc said.

The DPWH already promised to meet with the affected residents to address their concerns. The department is also considering adjusting the proposed 20-meter road widening.

Residents to be affected by the road widening opposed the measurement of the portions to be cut which they said is greater on the left side of the road going to Mabolo Church than on the other side based on the Parcellary Plan.

The left side has more residential houses to be affected, at least five of which are ancestral houses that have been in existence for 80 to 100 years now.

The owners of ancestral homes asked the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) to declare their houses as historical landmarks to be protected against the demolition.

They want the CHAC endorsement to the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts to declare their houses as heritage houses or important cultural properties.

Under Republic Act 10066 or the Act Providing for the Protection and Conservation of the National Cultural Heritage, important cultural properties get protection against exportation, modification or demolition.

The ancestral homes along M.J. Cuenco that will be affected by the road widening are the century old Dominga Querubin ancestral home, whose façade and structure will be affected; century-old Nersas Macasero ancestral home; 90-year old Velasquez ancestral home; 90-year old Teves ancestral home; and the 90-year old Ancajas ancestral home.

The residents are rushing to have their ancestral homes declared heritage houses as the road widening is set to start soon especially that the DPWH has endorsed for implementation the flyover to be built on M.J. Cuenco and General Maxilom Avenues. — (FREEMAN)