DPWH to clear Arellano Boulevard of squatters

CEBU, Philippines - More than 200 residential houses and other illegal structures on Arellano Boulevard in Barangay San Roque will soon be demolished to give way to the road widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, chairman of the City Traffic Operations Management, said those who will be affected by the demolition will be given disturbance fee by the government.

San Roque barangay councilman Lidiore Miranda confirmed that some of the families living at the roadside on Arellano Boulevard have already been informed about the impending demolition.

The DPWH-7 officials have decided to clear the area to revert Arellano Boulevard to its original width before the informal settlers have occupied part of the road causing traffic problem in the area.

“Tinuod nga lapad kaayo kining Arellano Boulevard kaniadto pero migamay kay gitukoran og mga balay sa mga squatters ang karsada,” said one resident of Barangay San Roque.

Arellano Boulevard used to be a four-lane road, but because of the informal settlers motorists could hardly pass by the place especially in front of the Coast Guard headquarters.

“Maayo unta og hatagan g’yud mi nila og lugar nga kabalhinan sa dili pa panggub-on ang among mga balay,” one of the residents told The Freeman.

Jakosalem, whose term as city councilor will end on June 30, said he does not know of any relocation site prepared by the city government for the affected families. (FREEMAN NEWS)