March 24, 2025 – A public hearing was conducted today at Balingway Hall to discuss a proposed ordinance declaring the Fatima-Topdac-Maligaya Road as a municipal road, connecting the barangays of Ucab, Gumatdang, Virac, and Poblacion.
The ordinance also seeks funding for the road’s maintenance.
The hearing, sponsored by Hon. Cesar A. Altiga, was attended by representatives from the Municipal Planning and Development Office, the Municipal Engineering Office, Benguet Corporation, various Punong Barangays, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan. Among the barangay officials present were Hon. Edwin Golingab (Gumatdang), Hon. Tony Pesase (Ucab), Hon. Nestor Martillano (Virac), and Hon. Flordeliza Depayso (Poblacion). The hearing was also attended by residents whose titled lots are traversed by the road.
Discussions focused on the importance of formally designating the road as a municipal asset to ensure its upkeep and accessibility.
Officials tackled concerns about existing structures along the roadway, deciding that those already in place will not be removed, while future encroachments will be strictly monitored.
Councilor Jodea Brendalyn Acay-Camuyot clarified that funding for the ordinance’s implementation is not yet available. A follow-up committee meeting was proposed to further refine the ordinance based on inputs gathered during the hearing.
Benguet Corporation’s legal officer, Atty. Froilan Lawilao, was unable to attend but requested another committee meeting to review the outcomes of the public hearing.
Officials assured that all concerns and suggestions from stakeholders were noted and that further deliberations will be conducted to finalize the ordinance effectively.
WORDS | Shayne Ashley V. Sudiacal, Jay Ralph Galunza, Jelly Rose Navaja
PHOTOS | Jelly Rose Navaja; BSU Interns
