Several homeowners, business operators and their representatives along General Luna Street sat for a dialogue with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Iloilo City Engineering Office and the Iloilo-Batiano River Development Council (IBRDC) at the Iloilo City Hall Multi-Purpose Hall, November 8, 2016 concerning the implementation of the proposed Esplanade 4 and 6.
DPWH OIC Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto presented the projects to be implemented by next year which includes the Esplanade 4 connecting Iloilo Bridge (B.S. Aquino Jr. Avenue) Jalandoni Bridge and subsequently to Forbes Bridge (River Queen Hotel) for the Esplanade 6.
A brief review of the survey done by PENRO was presented by Engr. Romulo Sumaculob. The original boundaries of the Iloilo River were identified way back in the 1916 Cadastral Survey. Engr. Sumaculob also showed the 2011 survey to determine the river’s present appearance.
Fruto also appealed for the cooperation of the owners to start facilitating the marking of the property lines in the area to complete the plan so as not to hamper the implementation of the project.
In addition, PENRO Raul Lorilla assured the stakeholders that DPWH and DENR will maintain the cadastral line subject to the submission of pertinent documents from the owners of the houses and businesses along the area. Lorilla stressed the purpose of holding this meeting with the structure owners so the team can check the extent of encroachment along the Iloilo River covering the two Esplanade projects.
The meeting with the stakeholders is a collaborative effort of DPWH, DENR and Iloilo City government to inspect each affected property to identify and address issues on ownership, among others.
A technical working group will be created to address these issues individually and the stakeholders were reminded to present pertinent documents concerning their properties.