Dizon asks: Retain housing board members

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon yesterday asked Mayor Michael Rama to retain the members of the Local Housing Board.

“I am writing to sincerely request the Office of the Mayor not to revamp the present members of the Cebu City Local Housing Board and to retain the NGO-PO representatives in the board,” said Dizon, chairman of the council committee on the housing and vice-chairman of the local housing board, in his July 13 letter to the mayor.

Rama and Dizon had been at odds on the issue of lots supposedly used as relocation sites for the urban poor.

Rama has been inquiring about the members of the board to determine if their appointments have endorsements.

The present People’s Organizations representatives are Samsin Chui and Marlene Paracuelles, who are reportedly endorsed by the Urban Poor Alliance.

The non-government organizations are represented by the Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors and the Center for Participatory Governance.

Dizon said the present members of the board are “hardworking” and “committed” to promoting urban poor and housing rights.

He said through them he was able to file three ordinances and 52 resolutions related to the housing rights.

 “There is no doubt in my mind that they are capable to represent the urban poor groups in the housing board. Their membership in the board is proof of the trust and confidence of the urban poor groups for them,” Dizon said.

The NGO and PO representatives in the board, according to Dizon, have been instrumental in coming up with decisions that are responsive to the needs of the urban poor.

 Dizon assured Rama of his support in strengthening the local housing board. —(FREEMAN)