Public works cmte backs GSUP for DPWH road project

THE Committee on Public Works, chaired by Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, approved the request of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 10 for an endorsement from the City Council in the form of a resolution supporting the department’s application for a Gratuitous Special Use Permit (GSUP) for the 30-kilometer Cagayan de Oro diversion road project.

During the meeting, a DPWH-10 official said this is to comply with Administrative Order No. 2022-01 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which lays down the guidelines to ensure that government plans and standards are followed when granting licenses to government agencies for the development of projects and public infrastructure within forestlands.

The project, extending from Jct. Balubal-Sayre Highway-Pueblo de Oro, CDO Old Airport Road Diversion Road, has to be realigned because it would affect forested areas in the city, specifically the Cugman Catanico Protected Landscape. 

But even with the diversion of the road project from its original alignment, some trees would still need to be cut; thus, the need for a GSUP.

Councilor Cabanlas, who presided the meeting, thanked and commended the agency for their efforts in fast-tracking the project to help decongest traffic in the city. He, however, cautioned the DPWH and its contractors. 

“Kung unsay maputol diha, inyo dapat nang pulihan,” he said, emphasizing stricter compliance with the DENR directive to replenish trees that are affected by government projects, specifically those cut due to the road widening along Masterson’s Avenue.

In response, the DPWH official assured the committee that it is part of their contract with the contractors to conduct tree replacement programs.

With this, Councilors Malvern Esparcia and Aga Suan, who were in attendance during the meeting, moved for the approval of the said request, and referred the matter to the Committee on Laws and Rules chaired by Councilor Cabanlas for appropriate action.