28km of city roads to become national roads

A total of 27.8 kilometers of local roads in Cagayan de Oro City will be converted into national road in order to improve linkages of the national road network system and keep up with the city’s development. 

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) OIC 2nd District Engineer, Jan Paulo C. Lisondra, bared during the City Council Committee on Public Works meeting held last Wednesday that city roads listed for conversion to national roads include: Jct. Butuan City-Cagayan de Oro City-Iligan City Road (BCIR)-Gusa-JR Borja-Camaman-an South Diversion-Convention Center Road; Jct. South Diversion Road-Convention Center-CDO Airport-Uguiaban-Bukidnon Road; Jct. BCIR-Corrales Avenue-Divisoria Road; Jct. South Diversion Road (Camaman-an Section)-Indahag-Bukidnon-Libona Road; Jct. BCIR-Vakenzuela-Agora-Coastal Road; Jct. BCIR-Osmeña Extension-Agora Road; JR Borja Road (Jct. Camaman-an)-Velez Steet-JR Borja Bridge-Jct.Carmen-Patag Road; Jct. CDP Port Road-Jct. Gaabucayan Extension-Osmeña Extension Road.

Engr. Lisondra said several advantages come with the conversion of these local roads into national roads.

“Once a certain road section becomes a national road, it will be funded annually (by the national government) when it comes to its maintenance including its drainage system, pavement markings, lighting, (and other needed maintenance),” he stated.

“Any other proposal, specifically for road network development or in layman’s term ‘road widening’, will be easily funded by DPWH... The road right of way payments will be settled (also) by DPWH under the national fund,” he added.

When asked why some local roads in the city’s 1st District are included in the road conversion, Lisondra explained the conversion should be comprehensive, citing that a whole-of-district approach will improve the linkages of the national road network system.

He also added that the City Engineering Office is closely coordinating for the road development plans of the city.

The committee, chaired by Councilor Edgar Cabanlas and together with Councilors Roger Abaday, Aga Suan, Jose Pepe Abbu, and Yevonna Yacine Emano, supported the DPWH’s proposal for the City Council to adopt a resolution duly endorsed by the mayor for the purpose.