No road-widening projects in Sariaya town proper – DPWH

SARIAYA, Quezon – There are no road widening projects in the Sariaya town proper, contrary to apprehensions that ancestral houses would have to give way to such projects, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a statement this week, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, reacting to the issue, directed field offices to strictly adhere to the agency’s policy of preserving historic sites and structures in all its projects nationwide.

“We have to preserve these historic sites and structures for the young generation to learn from our past,” Singson said.

“In order to avoid unnecessary delays, revisions, and alterations during the construction period, the preservation of these historical sites and structures should have been consid- ered during the conduct of feasibility study or planning phase of the project development,” he added.

Pursuant to DPWH Department Order No. 243 dated Nov. 26, 1991 and signed by then secretary Jose de Jesus, Singson reminded all regional directors, project directors, district engineers and planning engineers to coordinate closely with the National Historical Institute, the National Museum, and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts to avoid the unwarranted demolition or destruction of historical sites, monuments or any structure of historical value.

The issue cropped up when a certain Danny Maffiotee de Luna shared his concern to the Sariaya Heritage and Historical Society about the supposed road-widening project in the town proper.

De Luna expressed apprehension that ancestral houses in Sariaya such as the Don Natalio Enriquez house; the Alcaneses, Ismael Baysa and Quejano ancestral houses; the Art Deco Municipio and ABC building might be affected if the supposed road-widening project is carried out.

DPWH Region 4-A director Huillio Belleza, however, said there is no such project in the town proper, particularly on General Luna Street.

Road- widening activities, according to Belleza, are instead ongoing before and after the town proper, in Barangays Sampaloc II and Balubal.

In an interview, Nestor Cleofas, public works district engineer, said the rehabilitation of the Quianuang Bridge along Maharlika Highway and the road widening are aimed at easing the longtime traffic congestion in the town.

“There is no funding for the road widening in the town proper,” he said, adding though that if people want to make the province progressive, there should be some sacrifices.

“I’m only accountable to the constituents to do my work for further development. The rating of social acceptance of the road widening was high,” he said.

Quezon second district Rep. Vicente Alcala sought understanding from the public on the major infrastructure changes, which he said are for the better good of the community.