Rama told to relocate settlers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon, chairman of the city council committee on urban housing, told Mayor Michael Rama not to give up on relocating informal settlers to be displaced by the scheduled Mahiga Creek demolitions.

“It’s both easier said and done when we have the political will.Before we make hasty conclusion nga lisod buhaton, let’s do it first,” Dizon said.

The city government has been preparing for the demolition of illegal structures along Mahiga Creek, which will affect more or less 3,000 informal settlers, to pave the way for the dredging of the waterways.

The move came following frequent flooding in different parts of the city last month due to rainy weather.

Cebu City councilors Edgardo Labella, Jose Daluz III, Nida Cabrera and Dizon, who co-authored the resolution, reminded city officials and demolition teams “to comply with the requirements in the Constitution in the clearing or removal of informal settlers, to ensure that the demolition of illegal structures is just and humane.”

Rama, however, told them that it is easier said than done.

But Dizon said the city was able to relocate 900 urban poor families affected by demolitions during the administration of former mayor Tomas Osmeña.These families are now in barangays Lahug, Budlaan and Pit-os.

In their resolution, the councilors asked the Squatters Prevention Encroachment and Elimination Division to follow requirements and procedures in carrying out eviction orders and demolition.These are specified in Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act.

One of the provisions states that a notice should be given to the affected families 30 days prior to the demolition.There should be adequate consultation with the settlers of the affected area and adequate relocation, whether temporary or permanent, should also be available. Also, they urged the executive department to forge partnerships with key shelter agencies of the government in developing relocation site.

But Rama is not inclined to the idea saying that it may encourage squatters from other places to come to the city and take advantage of this. (FREEMAN)