Informal settlers’ request: Develop our relocation site

CEBU, Philippines - At least 110 informal settlers belonging to the Ri-top Homeowners Association, Inc. in Lower Sindulan, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City are asking the city government to develop the property they purchased in Barangay Binaliw as relocation site.

“The undersigned organization, with the aid of your office, had entered into a direct purchase lot acquisition of the property situated in Barangay Binaliw of this city owned by Maria Estrella Tudtud to be our relocation site since we are currently residing in a danger zone here in Barangay Mabolo,” said HOA president Sotero Dela Cruz, Jr. in a November 3 letter to the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.

He, however, did not substantiate in his letter why they considered their present location in Mabolo a danger zone.

The City Council received dela Cruz’s letter-request letter from PCUP. Dela Cruz said they are now paying their monthly obligation to the lot owner.

He said the association is currently being assisted by Barangay Binaliw officials for the area’s site development.

“We still need further site development such as road concreting and drainage system. By the assistance of your office (PCUP) we have now linkage with the City Council of the City government of Cebu,” dela Cruz said, adding that Cebu City north district Congressman Raul del Mar also promised the association P10 million also for site development.

With this, PCUP-7l Director Chloe Manlosa Osano requested City Councilor Nestor Archival to consider the request of the homeowners association.

“Our office serves as the direct link of the urban poor to the government in program implementation addressed to their needs,” Osano said.

She attached the letter request of Ri-top Homeowners Association, Inc. to her letter.

The City Council referred the matter to its committee on housing headed by City Councilor Alvin Dizon for comments and recommendation.  (FREEMAN)