Road widening plans presented
BAGUIO CITY – (19 March 2021) – Traffic for motorists, bikers and pedestrians shall ease once Marcos Highway is finally widened to 16.2 meters, including a 3.2-meter bike lane and walkway with protective side railing.
This was reported by City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) personnel Engr. Stephen Capuyan and Arch. Richard Ham during the management committee meeting held 16 March 2021; with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, City Administrator Bonifacio de la Pena and city hall executives present.
Thirteen structures along the whole stretch of the road however needs to be completely demolished for the project. Owners of said structures were given notices to vacate, with pre-demolition conference this month and scheduled demolition in May, in coordination meetings with the City Engineers Office (CEO) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
One building however was voluntarily demolished by its owner, with remnants of the structure still on site.
Observed during inspections were buildings with width up to 8 meters, length up to 20 meters, a floor or several storeys on road level, attic/s and or several basement floors used either for commercial or housing. Though made of CHB, reinforced concrete, GI or flat sheet, metal and other construction materials, the buildings were erected or repaired without permits and are deemed structurally unstable.
Said structures have operated without proper or with expired business permits.
According to the CBAO officials, the demolition of the structures considered as drawback to the road widening are anchored on local and national edicts including the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) which gives the grounds for the abatement of dangerous buildings:
· “Whenever a building/structure of any portion thereof, because of 1) dilapidation, deterioration or decay, 2) faulty construction, 3) the removal, movement and instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building, 4) the deterioration, decay or inadequacy of its foundation or any other causes is likely to partial or total collapse.”
“Whenever any portion of a building/structure remains on site after demolition.”
· “Dilapilated, blighted and other unpresentable buildings/structures against accepted aesthetic standards.”
The city has been active in recovering sidewalks, removing road obstructions and other actions to ease traffic specially in main thoroughfares. – Julie G. Fianza
