Public works cmte inspects Indahag site amid right-of-way concerns on flood project

THE committee on public works conducted an ocular inspection on January 23 in connection with the right-of-way issue affecting Contract ID No. 25K00255, or the Construction of Cagayan de Oro River Basins (Package 1), located in Barangay Indahag.

The inspection followed a committee meeting on January 15, where the body discussed the continued suspension of the project due to the refusal of lot claimant Mr. Bernie Bacarro to sign the Permit to Enter (PTE).

Bacarro has demanded either a minimum 10-meter offset toward the riverside within his claimed property or full compensation for the affected portion of his land.

In a letter, DPWH–Region X Assistant Regional Director Engr. Sabeniano D. Caliao Jr. clarified that both demands could not be accommodated due to technical and contractual constraints governing the project.

During the ocular inspection, Bacarro and his family reiterated their position, saying they could not easily allow access to the property as it would displace them.

Committee chair Councilor Al Legaspi Sr., together with DPWH representatives, warned that continued refusal would leave the flood control structure unfinished, increasing the risk of localized flooding in the area.

However, the Bacarro family raised concerns over a planned boulevard project that may be implemented in the future, fearing that it could further affect their property.

Councilor Legaspi clarified that the current request for a permit to enter applies solely to the flood dike project and that the boulevard remains at the planning stage.

Any future project would require a separate process and consent and would not be automatically covered by the present permission, he stressed.

However, the family insisted on receiving firm assurances from the DPWH that the proposed boulevard would not affect their property, requesting that physical markers be installed to clearly define project boundaries.

DPWH representatives responded that redesigning or finalizing plans would take time, thus no guarantees could be given at this stage, but assured the family of consultations should the project move forward.

An agreement was made to hold another meeting to formally document positions and determine the next course of action. (SPE/SP/photos by SPEscoltos and Councilor Legaspi FB page)