The Cagayan de Oro City Council on Tuesday, January 26, approved a resolution temporarily suspending the construction of a pedestrian overpass along Masterson Avenue, citing concerns that the project encroaches on the roadway and poses traffic and public safety risks.
Councilor Enrico Salcedo, the resolution's author, said Masterson Avenue in Uptown currently has four lanes and alleged that the ongoing construction is already obstructing part of the road.
Salcedo also questioned whether the project underwent a feasibility study and said he intends to seek clarification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Akong nakita nga naay road obstruction tungod sa pag-construct ug overpass diha sa DSWD Masterson Avenue,” Salcedo said during the council session. While he acknowledged the convenience an overpass offers pedestrians, he stressed that it becomes problematic if it causes hardship for commuters by occupying a traffic lane.
“Apan kung kani nga proyekto mahimong hinungdan nga maglisod ang mga commuter tungod kay halos gi-ukop na niini ang usa ka lane sa dalan, lahi na kini nga hisgutanan,” he added.
The chairperson of the Committee on Public Utilities noted that there is a proposal to expand the road to six lanes, raising concerns that the overpass may eventually face the same fate as the Puerto overpass, which is set for demolition.
The pedestrian overpass project carries a budget of ₱24.132 million and is scheduled for completion by 2026.
The resolution was approved despite three abstentions from Councilors Yevonna Yacinth Emano, Agapito Suan, and Imee Rose Moreno. A majority vote carried the motion for temporary suspension.
Councilor Al Legazpi Sr., chair of the Committee on Engineering, said a committee hearing with the DPWH is scheduled next week to address the issue.
Residents expressed mixed reactions. Lovely Sumalpong, a university student and Uptown resident, questioned the suspension, saying the overpass would help pedestrians cross safely.
“Makatabang man na sa mga mutabok, nganong ipa-suspend man? Unta mapadayon na kay sayang ang kwarta sa gobyerno,” she said.
A taxi driver, who requested anonymity, said he would defer to authorities. “Maghulat lang gyud mi unsa gyud ang resulta kay sila man ang mas nakabalo ana,” he said.
Councilor Abaday, who raised questions about the resolution but still voted in favor of the suspension, said he initially wanted an investigation to establish a clear basis for the move.
“Ang ako unta ipa-imbestiga nato para dunay basis nga atong i-suspend, pero overwhelming man ang recommendation sa grupo kay sigi na daw ug construct, dako na nuon nga problema,” he said.
Both Abaday and Salcedo said the upcoming committee hearing is expected to clarify whether the overpass indeed encroaches on the four-lane road.
Salcedo assured that if the DPWH can justify the project, construction may resume.
“Wa may problema kung makatarunganon ang DPWH ug naay rason ang DPWH—padayon. At least dili ma-blame ang siyudad nga gipasagdan lang,” Salcedo said, adding that he wants to avoid future accountability issues for the city.
As of press time, DPWH-10’s First District Engineering Office has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
