Poor groups ask CH for relocation

CEBU, Philippines - Around 26 urban poor groups in Cebu City held a rally in front of the Cebu City Hall yesterday, demanding Mayor Michael Rama to provide relocation sites before implementing demolition.

“Yes to Waste Segregation, No to Demolition without adequate Relocation,” the group said in various placards displayed outside City Hall.

The rally was led by the U.P ALL (Urban Poor Alliance) and FED POWER (Federation of People Organization Working for Empowerment and Resettlement).

U.P ALL member Allan Celeste said more than 600 of their members joined the rally, which was their way of showing sympathy on the families affected by the demolition at the Mahiga Creek.

They are not against the clearing operation in Mahiga Creek, Celeste said, as they agree that this would be for the safety of the families.

“Apan dili mi motugot anang demolisyon nga walay tarong nga relokasyon sa mga katawhan sa Mahiga Creek,” Celeste said. (But we don’t agree to them being demolished even before they are given proper relocation sites.)

Celeste cited that many of the affected families sleep at the sidewalks.

“Ang relokasyon makatarunganon apan relokasyon sab nga tawhanon,” U.P ALL and FED POWER member Joe Cambaya said.

Cambaya said the relocation site has no electricity and water supply.

He also said the affected families at the Mahiga Creek were hesitant on signing the memorandum of agreement with Rama, as it was not clearly stated how long they could stay at the relocation site.

Cambaya, however, added that if the issue is not settled then Section 28 of the Republic Act no. 7279 or Urban Development and Housing Act 1992 should be implemented.

The act provides for a comprehensive urban development and housing program.

Celeste said they hoped to speak with Rama so they could express their sentiments on the Mahiga Creek issue.

The two nongovernment group officials stressed that they are not against the mayor, they are only after a better treatment for the affected families in Mahiga. — (FREEMAN)