CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Provincial Board (PB) said it will not allow truckers and Porac Quarry Association (PQA) members to use the Megadike road.

Two weeks ago, PQA president Mike Tapang made the proposal to government officials for the use of a six-kilometer tail dike portion for quarry truckers following the truck bans implemented by the City Government of Angeles and the local government unit of Sta. Rita.

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Tapang and the other truckers have been negotiating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the use of the road which runs from Porac to the City of San Fernando, cutting through the Gapan-Olongapo-San Fernando stretch in Bacolor.

The PQA has proposed that they themselves will shoulder the costs of rehabilitating the Megadike road reportedly on a build-operate-transfer scheme.

But on Friday, right after Board Members Ricardo Yabut and Crisostomo Garbo met with the Pampanga Mayors' League at Fortune Restaurant here, it was disclosed that the PB would "definitely" not allow truckers to use the road and will not approve the proposal.

"First, it is not feasible. The Megadike was built for protection from lahar. If we allow them to use that road, it is for sure to get dilapidated and that would be a potential risk and danger zone to residents living near the Megadike," Yabut said.

He said it is precisely the reason of trucks damaging roads that the local governments of Sta. Rita and Angeles implemented their respective truck bans.

"Hindi pupuwede iyon dahil mas maraming kalsada ang masisira at hindi naman puwedeng isakripisyo natin ang Megadike," Yabut told Sun.Star Pampanga.

Art Punzalan, Vice Governor Joseller "Yeng" Guiao's chief aide, corroborated Yabut's statements and said the vice governor shares the views with the board members.

"The vice governor is against the use of the Megadike road for truckers. The potential for damage and danger is too big for that. Besides, the Megadike road was not designed for that. Even a non-engineer could readily see and understand that. Even if they say they (PQA) will shoulder the costs, it is not feasible," Punzalan said.

He said the PB would immediately file a resolution and ordinance that rejects the PQA proposal.

Even former Bacolor mayor and lawyer Ananias Canlas Jr. told Sun.Star Pampanga that the proposal of Tapang is ridiculous and "stupid."

"They should know better. A more in-depth study should be made on that issue and alternatives must be sought. Imagine the scenario if the Megadike is destroyed by these truckers," Canlas said.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu said the PQA proposal for the use of the Megadike road is essential for the "survival" of the quarry industry.

"They cannot use the Sta. Rita roads. They are banned from Angeles City. They could have access to the SCTEx. Paano naman ang mga truckers at quarry operators natin? How will the industry survive kung wala na silang pwedeng daanan," Dau said, adding the Megadike road is for now the best option at hand. (Jovi T. De Leon)