Demolition of house blocking bridge in San Fernando starts

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---The demolition of one of the two houses blocking the path of the San Jose Panlumacan Bridge here started on Wednesday, September 21.

This following an amicable settlement between the family and the city government headed by Mayor Vilma Caluag, along with Barangay San Jose Chairman Mercy Macabal i .

The P25 million bridge, completed on April 4, 2016 as per the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), provides access to barangays in San Fernando and Mexico town, as well as nearby schools, business establishments and residential ar eas.

Getting wind of the problem aired by concerned citizens, the City Government stepped in and mediated for a settlement of the right of way issue on September 9, 2022, after a bigger one house where five families lived, agreed to have it demolished and vacate the area with terms including compensation to be given through the government’s zonal valuation and other forms of support like financial assistance from both the DPWH and the University

of Assumption and a housing unit from the City Government under its socialized housing program, among others.

As demolition of the structure started, families living in the house also began their relocation to different sites, including temporary shelter at the multi-purpose center of Barangay San Jose.

Other family members, including the 64year-old Rogelio Simeon, will be permanently residing in two more locations including a brandnew home at a socialized housing program of the City Government called Townhomes San Fernando in Panipuan and another house that was earlier purchased by the family.

Macabali said a portion of the total cash aid they are set to receive has been initially granted to the family to help them fund their basic needs during relocation.

Caluag, meanwhile, during an inspection of the demolition works being conducted by the the City Local Housing and Settlement Division, City Engineer’s Office, and City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office and DPWH, cited the bridge's impacts on safety and mobility and thanked all the offices, agencies, institutions, and the Simeon family for pushing through with the settlement, adding that parts of the area will be redeveloped and the bridge to open by October this year.