CEBU, Philippines - The fire victims in barangay Lahug yesterday submitted their proposal to the University of the Philippines in the Visayas – Cebu College as a step for them to continue dwelling at the UP-owned lot where their houses once stood.
The 71 families displaced by the fire last month submitted their proposal to UP legal counsel Jesus Atoc following a dialogue with Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann delos Santos.
The affected families submitted two proposals – that they be made to stay in sitio San Jose for 15 or 30 years, but would voluntarily vacate the place anytime once the barangay or the city can provide them with a relocation site.
However, if no relocation site is available and UP would arrive at a budget to develop the lot, the affected families asked that they be made to continue staying at the property until the agreed length of time for them to stay lapses.
“Mamahimo sad nga mohawa gilayon kami two years or three years ba kaha gikan karon basta naa nay relocation site para namo,” said Alma Castañares, one of the affected residents.
Atoc, for his part, clarified that based on Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, UP cannot provide a relocation site to the affected residents nor can the university sell the properties because the lots are government-owned.
Covered under this rule include lots actually used for national defense and security of the state and those used, reserved or otherwise set aside for government offices, facilities and other installations whether owned by the national government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations or by the local government units.
Atoc said UP is set to file an ejection case against the residents of sitio Avocado and Sunset Drive Extension because the lots they are occupying are still owned by UP.
Atoc said that in trying to keep squatters from rebuilding their homes, UP is just exercising its right over its properties.
The proposals of the residents from sitio San Jose will be submitted to the UP Board of Trustees in UP Diliman. — Johanna T. Natavio/JMO (THE FREEMAN)