The local government of Dagupan City is opposing a proposal of the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) to double the elevation of the road in Barangay Tapuac, citing mismatched plans.

During an inspection by the Dagupan City local government, it was found that the target elevation levels of the City Engineering Office and DPWH Region 1 do not match.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the city's planned road elevation is more appropriate and consistent with existing sidewalks.

"Mukhang hindi tayo papayag, we will call for a meeting," Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the elevation discrepancy is significant in several areas:

• Near YMCA: LGU targets 0.6 meters, DPWH proposes 1.2 meters.
• Near a local bank: LGU targets 0.4 meters, DPWH proposes 1 meter.
• Near Dagupan City National High School: LGU targets 0.2 meters, DPWH proposes 0.8 meters.

"Hindi consistent doon sa ibang kalsada na ginawa nila. Ang basis – according to the city engineer, is Galvan, Zamora, [at] Jovellanos na elevation," Fernandez said.

DPWH said their elevation levels are based on the average maximum flood levels to prevent flooding during heavy rains or high tides.

Some local business owners and motorists are in favor of raising the roads as long as their concerns are taken into account.

"Dapat ‘yung hindi masyadong mataas at hindi mababa, ‘yung nasa middle lang. Kapag bumaga kasi paano ‘yung business namin, maapektuhan kami, ‘yung tubig sa amin mapupunta [kapag] masyadong mataas ang kalsada," Malene, a local businesswoman, said.

"Yung saktong taas para hindi mahirapan [at] ‘yung tubig, hindi tatakbo sa bahay," Jay-R Resuello, a tricycle driver, added.

A meeting between the LGU and DPWH will be held to discuss the road elevation and drainage construction projects further.

Earlier on June 2024, another road elevation project by DPWH in Barangay Lasip, Calasiao, Pangasinan was put on hold after residents protested. 

The residents said their houses would sink, especially during the rainy season, if the project, which will elevate the road up to two meters, would push through.