Secretary Robredo meets settlers, Governor Gwen on 93-1 concerns

CEBU, Philippines – The problem of the urban poor families living in the province-owned lots in 11 barangays of Cebu City was not settled yesterday despite the visit of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo here to discuss the issue with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and the city officials.

But Robredo, who has been tasked by President Aquino III to help solve the problem of the urban poor residents living in the so-called "93-1 lots" of the province, had promised to come back within one week to hold series of discussions.

Before the DILG Secretary met with the leaders of the urban poor homeowners associations at the Pagtambayayong Inc. conference room yesterday afternoon, he first visited the governor and said he was happy because the latter is willing to pursue negotiations.

Robredo, however, said he could not easily come up with a solution without knowing the arguments of the respective parties because as an independent negotiator he needs to listen to both sides.

He advised the leaders of the urban poor groups here to furnish him their sentiments, recommendation and arguments so he could bring such to the governor.

"The governor is very amenable of coming up with an acceptable solution to the 93-1, so it is a matter of setting out the details on evaluation and details on how we go about the settlement as far as the obligations are concerned," he said.

But former city mayor and now Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmena, who accompanied Robredo in going to the meeting with the urban poor, had already provided the DILG secretary with some background of the issue for him to understand it.

It was learned that there are 1,215 beneficiaries or supposed buyers of the province-owned lots, who paid their obligations in part, but the governor earlier said she does not want them to continue paying their amortizations.

One of the urban poor leaders asked Robredo to bring their sentiments to the governor that if they will be allowed to continue pay their amortization it should be based on the old rates.

Former city administrator Francisco "Bimbo" Fernandez, an official of the Pagtambayayong Inc. that is actively helping the urban poor families, said he is happy of the development even if Robredo failed to quickly solve the problem.

Fernandez said what is important is that both parties, meaning the Capitol and the urban poor families, acknowledged that Robredo is neutral in solving the issue.

In his short speech before he asked the urban poor representatives to speak, Robredo said both parties should be open to any possible suggestions that could lead to peaceful solution of the problem.

Osmeña earlier said the Cebu provincial government acquired the subject lands in the 11 barangays of the city through the Friar Lands Act, but he said it was clearly provided in that law that the lands will be used only for public purpose.

The former mayor has assured that the city officials will protect the rights of the urban poor families as provided for under the provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act. 

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia who appreciates Robredo's presence said that his sincerity to be of assistance to both sides could give a fair solution to the issue.

"He is sincere to be of assistance to both sides and to find a doable, just, level-headed and fair solution to this issue. We also give Secretary Robredo the side of the province supported by specific data and specific evidence," she said.

Garcia added that Robredo is the person who would understands the mechanics, the dynamics as well as the needs of the local government.

Robredo's visit was in line with the 2010 World Habitat Day Celebration.

Robredo said that building partnerships is one way to address the issue confronting the urban poor and informal settlers.

He said that the best thing to do is for the LGUs and the private sector to work together to address housing needs and spur economic growth in communities.

"We understand that some LGUs lack the capacity and resources to implement shelter programs, so the DILG has been helping the LGUs develop their capabilities to undertake socialized housing initiatives," he said. - Rene U. Borromeo and Ria Mae Booc/NLQ (FREEMAN)