Fr. Lucio Pedro T. Dayag, Administrator of Properties of the University of San Carlos, Archt. Marvin Gaerian, and Cerwin Eviota (L-R) points to the school side walk that will be demolished to give way for the road widening at Governor Cuenco Ave. Banilad Talamban road. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Demolish now, pay them later.
The University of San Carlos (USC) administration agreed to have its concrete fence in the Talamban campus torn down and set back its perimeter by two to four meters to allow the widening of the traffic-logged Banilad-Talamban (Ban-Tal) Corridor.
“We urge property owners along Ban-Tal road to follow our lead, and help satisfy the public’s desire for a wider road,” said Fr. Lucio Pedro Dayag, USC administrator of properties.
Dayag said the university issued a Road-Right-Of-Way (RROW) Entry Permit to the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Visayas (DPWH-7) last July 10.
The total area affected is 1,419 square meters.
“The DPWH can now demolish anytime all improvements covered by the RROW limits in order not to prejudice the realization and early completion of the road-widening project,” he said.
“We have allowed the DPWH to expand the road by two to four meters into the property owned by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and used by the university as part of the Talamban Campus,” he told reporters.
About 300 meters of the school property along the road line will damage parts of the pharmacy in front of the school, covered walks and two entrance gates.
Dayag said discussions are in progress with DPWH on the amount of just compensation to be paid although a government offer was already made.
Several years ago, DPWH also used part of the USC-north campus in General Maxilom Ave. (formerly USC Boys High) and property in the area of Perpetual Succour Hospital to widen F. Sotto Street in Cebu City.
USC architect Marvin Geleren said a two-month timetable to demolish the fence at USC-Talamban campus was agreed in a meeting with DPWH officials last Tuesday.
Related Stories:
‘No Left Turn’ scheme unclogs Ban-Tal traffic
Banilad road widening gets lot owners’ nod