DPWH demolishes Laoag’s ‘Pasalubong Center’

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—A relatively new city government-owned building, which houses souvenir items for tourists visiting the city, was demolished on November 7, 2019 as it was located within the sidewalk of the Laoag City Public Market.

The Pasalubong Center, built during the time of former Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas is just one among the commercial establishments in Laoag downtown which must be demolished to clear all road obstructions as directed by the Duterte administration to be implemented nationwide.

“We cannot do anything but to follow the directive of the president,” said Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District Engr. Ma. Venus Torio.

For current Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos-Keon, he explained there had been no proper zoning laws in Laoag and the road clearing has affected a lot of people.

“We must follow the President’s order. Laoag City has lost so much business because of the road clearing which causes many problems but my hands are tied. I am sorry but this has to be this way because in the past, people were able to build businesses anywhere and everywhere,” said Mr. Marcos-Keon citing some business owners are moving out of Laoag due to the intensified road clearing operations that has been reported to be extended for another 75 days.

Mr. Marcos-Keon, however, assured that the Pasalubong Center will be relocated at the Aurora Park right at the heart of the city.

Earlier, the Department of Interior and Local Government issued on July 29, 2019 a memorandum circular directing all mayors to reclaim all primary and secondary roads in their areas by clearing these of obstructions within 60 days. The deadline expired on Sept. 29.

According to the DILG, the government plans to extend the nationwide road clearing operations by 75 days to maintain what it was able to achieve in the 60-day cleanup campaign.

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