DPWH open to talks with UST on flyover

MANILA, Philippines - A Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official said yesterday he is open to meeting with University of Santo Tomas (UST) to discuss their objections to the construction of a flyover at the intersection of España Boulevard and Lacson Avenue in Manila.

DPWH-Urban Roads Project Office (URPO) director Mariano Alquiza said he had previously met with some UST officials before and did not hear any complaints. Nevertheless, he assured UST rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa that his office is always open to discuss the planned construction of a flyover, which would be five meters high.

Alquiza said the project would only affect the canopy at the UST Charity Hospital, where the gate faces Lacson Avenue, and there would be a road right of way.

De la Rosa earlier said that one of the main reasons why he is objecting to the flyover was that the passing of vehicles would disrupt classes in the engineering and education buildings, both located close to Lacson Avenue. Alquiza said they would install noise barriers to reduce the noise.

Another concern was that the possibility that the construction of a flyover would affect the flow of vehicles, especially the ambulances, that would be moving in and out of the UST Charity Hospital via Lacson Ave­nue. The DPWH-URPO chief assured school officials that the overhead structure would only present “little inconveniences” to the hospital.

De la Rosa earlier said the government should also take into consideration the significance of the university. “The UST is a national treasure and a heritage site, this has been declared by the government so the beauty of its surroundings should also be protected,” he said.