Relocation site for San Roque informal settlers uncertain

CEBU, Philippines - Whether or not the city can provide a relocation site for residents of Barangay San Roque who will be affected by the impending road widening project, which will be implemented several months from now remains unclear.

What is certain, though, is that Mayor-elect Michael Rama, who will assume office on June 30, has no plans of postponing or stopping the project initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The road widening project is intended to improve the flow of traffic in the barangay, particularly along Arellano Boulevard. 

Rama said improving the traffic situation in the city is among the priority projects he intends to implement in his first 100 days in office.

Some residents of Barangay San Roque whose houses will be affected by the project have asked the city for relocation sites.

San Roque Barangay Captain Rogelio Ruizo, however, said the families need not worry just yet because the project will reportedly not be implemented soon. “Dugay pa man na kaayo ang demolition,” he said.

Ruizo also denied the allegations of Councilman Lidiore “Boy” Miranda that he failed to inform the affected residents of the impending demolition that is why many of those occupying the sides of Arellano Boulevard are still improving their houses.

Rama said the city cannot assure of a relocation site, but he will check with the Division for the Welfare of Urban Poor on possible assistance for the affected families. 

Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, chairman of the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM), said 217 houses that are constructed along Arellano Boulevard have been identified by DPWH to be affected by the road widening project.

The DPWH officials have decided to return the Arellano Boulevard to its original width before it will be fully encroached by squatters to improve the flow of vehicles in the area, especially that majority of the vehicles there go and come from the pier.

Arellano Boulevard used to be a two-way four-lane road, but the houses of squatters that have mushroomed along it has narrowed the road to the extent that vehicles could hardly pass through comfortably, especially at the area in front of the Coast Guard headquarters. (FREEMAN NEWS)