200 families demolish own homes; some join picket

CEBU, Philippines - Around 20 members of Mandaue City government’s demolition team did not have to tear down houses yesterday in Sitio Mahusay, Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City after the families living in the area voluntarily demolished their own homes that were encroaching the three-meter easement zone of the Mahiga Creek.

Maria Teresa Pitogo, the spokesperson of the residents’ association, said that she encouraged the residents to have peaceful demolition, which they promised the city government.

“Kami nakasabot mi sa balaud kay bisan unsaon pa namo naa may balaud pero hangyo namo nga hinay-hinayan namo ug guba kay dili man madali nga ang tanan namong gamit madala dayun ilabi na kung mouwan,” said Dante Pepito, a resident in the area.

The residents of Sitio Mahusay received the notice of demolition from the Mandaue City government in 2011 but it was only implemented yesterday.

On the other hand, while the demolition in Sitio Mahusay went well, residents of Sitio Mahayag whose houses were also set to be demolished organized a picket and presented their conditions to the city government.

       Teody Navea, secretary general of Sanlakas Sugbo, said they want an on-site relocation in the remaining area beyond the three-meter easement zone. He also said that they want the intervention of Vice President Jejomar Binay and the church on their concern.

“Willing mi mag-picket hangtud December kay duna man tuod nakadawat ug kwarta pero P10,000 ra instead of P17,000 ang uban wala gani gyud makadawat,” Navea said.

Violita Navada of the Department of Social Welfare and Services said that some of the informal settlers were not given cash assistance due to their failure to comply with the necessary requirements.

The Housing and Urban Development Office disclosed that of 162 families, only 112 availed of the 6.5-hectare relocation site and housing project in Barangay Paknaan while at least 50 of them already availed of the monetary aid.

The Department of General Services will start fencing both sides of Sitio Mahayag as soon as residents are done getting all their belongings. Those who will remain in the area will be forcibly evicted.  (FREEMAN)