CATBALOGAN CITY – Mayor Dexter Uy is confident that they will be able to clear major roads in this city before the deadline set by the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Mayor Uy said that he is thankful that all residents of the city are supporting the clearing operations, adding that there were even owners of houses or establishments affected by the campaign voluntarily cleared the encroachment.
“Though a deadline was set, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we will stop, the clearing operations will continue up to the secondary roads within the city” Mayor Uy said.
The city mayor added that the clearing operations will be enforced as ordered by the DILG.
It was learned that even the business establishment owned by the family of Uy was affected by the clearing operations.
Although the city government is strict in implementing the order to reclaim all city roads from encroachment, Mayor Uy said that he is glad that no one is complaining against the operations.
“It is an order from the President, maybe that’s the reason why no one is complaining,” he said.
Uy said that they hope to reach 90 percent of cleared roads before the month will be over.
The clearing operations in the city is being spearheaded by the City Engineering Office together with village officials.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that there is no extension to the 60 days deadline set by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on this campaign to clear all roads from encroachments.
Sec. Año said that the DILG will review the LGUs accomplishment after the 60-day deadline and those who will fail to comply the President’s order will be penalized. The deadline is to end this Sept.29.
Mayor Uy said that the clearing operations in the city started when he assumed the post as the city’s chief executive but some residents asked him to temporary halt until after the August fiesta of the city.
Mayor Uy added that for the street vendors affected by the clearing operations, he has sought the help of the provincial government of Samar through Vice Governor Michael Tan to identify an area where they can relocate the vendors.
One of the identified relocation area for the street vendors is the along the Antiao River.
For the ambulant vendors, they are allowed to stay in one area for 2-hours only after that they have to leave to another place.
“We also have to understand their situation because they have to earn for their families,” Mayor Uy said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
