Only a few takers for relocation site for Ermita fire victims

CEBU, Philippines - One week after the Cebu City Government informed the victims of the fire in Sitio Warwick Barracks, Barangay Ermita that they can benefit from a socialized housing program, only three families have complied of the requirements.

Based on the latest record of the Cebu City's Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) only three families have submitted their requirements and that none of the victims of the fire have started occupying the relocation sites intended for them in La Guerta,  Barangay Lahug and Barangay Budlaan.

"Ato na man ng gihumuan ug pamaagi nga undertaking na lang ang himuon aron ma dritso aron walay daghan nga mga istorya ba nga lisod kaayo ang proseso madugay ta," said Collin Rosell, DWUP chief.

He said anyone who wishes to occupy the said relocation sites can transfer anytime.

"So far dili man siguro a matter of choice sa ila. In fact ang kani siyang housing program is by way of accommodation and compassion man ni sa city kay klaro mana siya para mana sa market," he said when asked if the victims agreed to occupy the said areas.

He added he could not say if the sites are completely ready since it is continually developed over time.

He assured that there are already people living in the areas since these are existing housing sites of the city.

"Mo admit ko ana nga ang Budlaan daan taas-taas na og slope. Naa say development nga nahitabo, simentado na man og dalan, pero bisan og simentado og dalan, taas-taas ang slope," he said, adding that while the lower part of the area is flood prone, the residents living in it have not encountered any landslides.

 "Pero naa sad tay daghan nga acquironon naa sa process sa acquisition karon nga mga relocation pareha sa Inayawan, sa Quiot daghan na diha, di siya ingon nga puno na daan nya gipalit," he said.

He said they will screen the deserving recipients of the land because there are others who have lots already.

Yesterday, during the celebration of EDSA revolution, some of the fire victims of Sitio Warwick Barracks protested in the streets and demanded for them to be allowed to build back houses in their sitio.

However, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reiterated that the place is not a residential area. — (FREEMAN)