At least 34 structures, including houses, within four meters from the road are facing demolition as the provincial government starts a P17 million road widening project in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.

Other areas that will be affected include a section of the Barangay Hall and a grotto of the local church in Barangay Naguilian.

The Provincial Engineering Office said the project includes a 6.10-meter-wide, two-lane road that will serve as the boundary between Vigan City and Caoayan. 

A 1.20-meter-wide canal with a half-meter space for water passage, relocation of poles, and pedestrian walkways are part of the project.

Only the areas in Vigan have a drainage canal, which causes floods in the Caoayan area during the rainy season.

Barangay Naguilian Captain Marlon Atinaja said he sees the benefit of the project, especially in addressing the problem of flooding.

"Problema lang pag nagkataon ay ‘yung mga mabibilis na motorista pero malaking tulong ang widening dahil hindi na mababaha ang mga ka-barangayan ko," he said.

A canteen, owned by Estrelita Quilpa, is also facing demolition. She believes they should be given compensation. 

"Oo [gusto namin mabarayan] anak, para maipaayos namin ‘yung bakod kasi wala naman akong anak na may pera,” she said.

However, authorities said owners of the properties that will be affected will not be paid or compensated since the project is on a provincial road. 

"Pagkakaalam ko, ayon sa municipal engineer noon, ay na-advise nila na yung area na yun ay for road widening, pero ewan ko, nagtayo pa rin sila [ng bahay] at their own risk… naka-cadastral survey iyon na road lot intended for road widening kaya hindi pwede i-apply ang land title," Engr. Leonard Pascua, Ilocos Sur Officer in Charge Provincial Engineer, said.

The project is expected to be finished by May 2024.