THE Dagupan City government was urged to ban or prohibit the construction/installation of antenna and communication towers of radio stations and communication companies within the city’s downtown area, as well as on densely populated areas,  so that in case of storm, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, they will not inflict harm on buildings and residences near them if they fall.

This was contained on a letter sent to Mayor Fernandez by businessman Howard Chua Cham of Unique Lumber, whose office at East Gate building on A.B. Fernandez Avenue East,  was damaged when the tower of the adjacent radio station DWJE fell on East Gate building at the height of Super Typhoon “Uwan” on the night of November 9, and damaged the building’s rooftop and one Cham’s offices, including its equipment, documents and other facilities therein.

At the same time, Cham sought the immediate transfer of all existing towers and antennas on top of existing buildings located in Dagupan’s downtown area, which are likewise in danger of falling in case of typhoons and earthquakes.

Speaking during the program “Sumbungan ng Bayan” on K-17 community channel, Cham said his company already wrote the city mayor and the Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod, asking the passage of an ordinance to finally ban the construction/installation of high towers and antennas within the city’s downtown area, and thickly populated areas, and for the relocation of existing ones to safer places.

Cham said these antennas and communication towers can be safely transferred in areas that have open spaces, including within fishponds, which are still aplenty in Dagupan City, and with modern technology, they can still be used by the radio stations or communication companies even if their offices are located in other areas.

City Legal Officer Aurora Valle said Cham’s letter was already endorsed by Mayor Fernandez’s office to the Sangguniang Panlungsod through Vice Mayor and presiding officer Bryan Kua, who is expected to craft an ordinance in relation to Cham’s request and call a public hearing for the purpose.

Mayor Fernandez said the local businessmen and investors need to be protected from any harm, including falling antennas and towers, in the event of a disaster. (Leonardo Micua)