Rama, Dizon to face off in housing board meeting

CEBU, Philippines - Amidst their on going differences over the recent demolition of illegal settlers along Mahiga creek, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Councilor Alvin Dizon are expected to face-off in tomorrow’s regular meeting of the local housing board.

Rama will preside the meeting being the chairman while Dizon will also be attending as vice chairman.

 “We welcome the participation of the mayor in the local housing board regular meeting. He has not taken part in our meeting since we assumed office in July last year,” Dizon said.

Dizon said he is willing to discuss the controversy with Rama provided that the mayor would be sincere in his effort to address the concerns of the affected families.

Dizon expects that tomorrow’s meeting of the local housing board would be a “level-headed discussion” as he intends to demand from Rama a relocation site for the families affected by the demolition along Mahiga creek.

Dizon said he would also make a follow-up on Rama’s promise to extend financial assistance to them.

 “Atong ipa-klaro niya kung unsa ba gyud ang iyang baroganan. Mohatag siya or dili,” Dizon said.

Dizon said the local housing board already recommended P5,000 financial assistance to the affected families.

Rama and Dizon have been publicly issuing statements against each other because of their different on stand on the issue of giving relocation site to the families affected by the demolition in Mahiga.

Dizon wanted that the city government gives relocation site but Rama said the city could not give it.

Dizon, who came from the ranks of the urban poor before becoming a councilor, said he cannot stand to see the affected families sleeping along the road without roof on their head.

Urban Development and Housing Act provides that those who are affected by government projects, whether national or local, shall not be evicted unless appropriate relocation sites have been provided. (FREEMAN)