City's temporary shelter rejected

CEBU, Philippines - Most informal settlers affected by Cebu City government’s clearing operation of the creeks and riverbanks refused to stay at the temporary shelter provided for them.

Department of Social Welfare and Services chief Cathy Yso said almost all informal settlers interviewed by them prefer to stay with their relatives or go back to the province where they came from.

Yso however said the affected families did not state specific reasons why they are not staying at the temporary shelter prepared by the city government.

There are over 200 individuals that DSWS have assessed and categorized. These 200 individuals are either homeowners or home sharers. Their structures are built along Mahiga River.

Fr. Joseph Inting graced the blessing of the temporary shelter located in block 27 of the North Reclamation Area.

The temporary shelter has 50 container vans, eight portable toilets, eight showers, a common sink and a common dirty kitchen.

A medical booth was also stationed inside the compound and police personnel were assigned to guard the area.

Electricity and water consumption are free. Residents will also receive packed meals during the first three days of their stay.

Residents have one month to stay at the shelter. They must use the time of their stay there in finding a decent and legal place to stay. For those who wish to go back to their respective provinces, the city government will assist them through the Balik Probinsiya Program.

Yso said that the owners of houses that have been successfully dismantled by the personnel of the Squatters Prevention Encroachment and Elimination Division have stayed in their relatives and some went back to the province.

She said that some of the residents living in Mahiga River are employees of nearby establishments so they just chose to find a place to rent.

Mayor Michael Rama and Councilors Roberto Cabarrubias and Edgardo Labella were also present during the blessing.

Cabarrubias was in-charge of the establishment of the temporary shelter similar to that of the devotee city during the Sinulog.

Labella said that the council supports the mayor in the restoration of the three-meter easements especially the establishment of the temporary shelter for those affected.

But he said he wishes that the city government will be able to provide a relocation site to some informal settlers whom he knows are bonafide residents of Cebu City or those who have been living here for four decades now.

Rama said that his administration will not stop from solving illegal settlement within the three meter easement zones of rivers and creeks until there is no single family living in danger zones.

“Dili nato gusto apan kinahanglan kay naay balaod nga ang sapa, agianan sa tubig, dili puy-anan sa tawo,” Rama said. – (FREEMAN)