USC-TC gives way to road widening

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus has announced yesterday that it will give way to the widening of the Banilad-Talamban Road.

Fr. Lucio Dayag, USC-TC Property Custodian, said that the school administration has decided to take initiative among property owners to help address the traffic congestion along the Gov. Cuenco Avenue.

“We have allowed the Department of Public Works and Highways to expand the road by 2 to 4 meters into the property owned by the Society of the Divine Word  and used by the University as part of the Talamban Campus,” he said.

Dayag disclosed that USC is giving up close to 300 meters of its property along the road line for the expansion.

The USC-TC administrators have signed the road right of way permit with DPWH last July 10, 2014.

“This will allow DPWH-7 to enter our property and demolish soon all improvements covered by the RROW limits so as not to prejudice the realization and early completion of the road-widening project,” Dayag said.

With this, he said that the authorized representative of DPWH or its contractor could anytime demolish all the improvements within the RROW limits of the USC property.

When asked who will finance the restoration of the school’s fence, Dayag said that DPWH signified that the department would expropriate it and will pay the USC.

“If I look only at our interest, it is not (fair). However, our interest is also for the interest of the public. So, we have to do some sacrifices here,” he said when asked if the move is fair.

Dayag said that DPWH will coordinate with the city government on the development.

USC-TC Property Administrator Architect Marvin Gaerlan said that other improvements affected by the development are the frontage of the USC-TC Drug Store, the fence, portal, entrance of the students and a portion of their covered walk.

Gaerlan said that during their initial meeting, the DPWH contractor said they intend to have the demolition of all the improvements, excavation, and restoration of the sidewalk and roads in two months.

 Gaerlan said that there are less than ten trees (mahogany and gmelina trees) that might be affected in the widening.

“Ang ingon sad nila kon ang kahoy naa maigo sa sidewalk, dili ra nila i-cut pero kon maigo na sa road anha na i-cut pero ila daw i-try nga ma-iswag aron dili mahilabtan ang trees,” he said.

Dayag disclosed that it is the second time that USC has agreed on giving way part of its property.

A previous agreement affected an estimated 600 meters of land.

“We did this even if we have yet to agree with DPWH on the payment offer of just compensation for the property and its improvements, and still yet to be paid as well as our property at our North Campus (formerly Boys High) along F. Sotto St.,” he said.

Dayag said that they are under negotiation with DPWH on the compensation for the 300-meter property.

He said that the agreement has been triggered by their effort to help solve the heavy traffic along the Ban-Tal corridor.

 “We urge other property owners along Ban-Tal road to follow our lead, and help satisfy sooner than later the desire of the public for a wider road and a better flow in traffic. We must all act now,” Dayag said.  (FREEMAN)