CH finalizes guidelines for demolished families

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Hall has received more than 80 applications from families whose houses had been affected by the city’s clearing operations of creeks and sidewalks.

These applicants all wanted to avail of the P10, 000 cash assistance.

Philip Zafra, chief of staff of Mayor Michael Rama, said the draft copy of the guidelines for those who can avail of the livelihood projects have already been endorsed to the mayor for his signature.

Catherine “Cathy” Yso, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), said the requirements for those who wish to avail of the livelihood projects include having received notices of demolition from the city and that their houses are located along side roads or creeks, including the three-meter easement.

The City Council had already approved the P10 million budget for the livelihood projects of the concerned families who were affected by the city’s clearing operations, but it was not immediately implemented.

Councilor Alvin Dizon said the concerned city officials should not delay the implementation of the livelihood project because it is one of the reasons why the informal settlers voluntarily dismantled their shanties.

Dizon said the 38 families whose houses had been cleared from the roadside of Palma Street had already asked him when they will get the livelihood assistance from the city.

The concerned families used to live beside the Cebu Technological University (CTU) on Palma St. in Barangay San Roque.

The houses were also constructed on top of the drainage system which was why the city employees cannot clean it.

Rama had ordered the continued clearing operations along the riverbanks and creeks as one way to minimize flooding during heavy rains.

The mayor is expecting about 1,000 qualified beneficiaries for the livelihood projects, although the concerned families will be required to pay the amount on an installment basis.

The families whose houses along Mahiga creek were demolished, are among those who will surely be admitted to the project.  (FREEMAN)