What to do with antique houses that have become public hazards

Built a century ago, the house of the Pabico-Timoner family on Vinzons Avenue in Daet, Camarines Norte, may be the oldest in the province. Looking at it, I am reminded of the antique houses along Azcarraga Street now Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila, which must have been built during the Spanish era. Another old house of the late Marita Pimentel along F. Pimentel Avenue in Daet was destroyed by typhoons some 20 years ago. As in the former Azcarraga, most of these old houses, unlike that of the Pabico-Timoner’s, are almost dilapidated and have become eyesores. God forbid, they could easily catch fire if the local government units concerned do not demolish them. Not only that, along Vinzons Avenue, on its left going to Labo, on a lot said to be owned by the Hernandez family, are shanties which are as flammable. Given these deplorable realities, how could the town of Daet qualify to become a city?

In Daet alone, a dilapidated house near Bridge No. 1 at the corner of F. Pimentel Avenue and Vicente Basit Street poses a danger to passersby. If I remember right, this house, built of strong materials and owned by a former forester, was already standing there when I arrived in Daet on Dec. 22, 1950. I know whereof I speak because my family and I resided at Salcedo Street, now Vicente Basit Street, from 1954 to 1960 when I bought for P500 a house of light materials. Will not Daet Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion take action to demolish that eyesore near Bridge No. 1 and save the townsfolk from a disastrous fire? This reminds me of a conflagration in Daet in the 1960s where now stands the Daet Elevated Plaza and the Daet Public Market. In Manila, it is up to Mayor Alfredo S. Lim to do what must be done.

It is hoped that Mayor Sarion will not feel bad about this letter, after all, this is for the good of his constituents.

—GODOFREDO O. PETEZA SR.,

JP Rizal Street,

Barangay Camambugan,

Daet, Camarines Norte 4600