City to convene stakeholders over UP lot in Lahug

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City government will convene a meeting with the University of the Philippines - Cebu and other stakeholders in efforts to arrive at an amicable decision over the disputed lot in Barangay Lahug that was hit by fire last week.

The lot where at least 80 houses were razed by an evening fire is owned by UP - Cebu and the university has since been trying to retrieve the lot for its expansion project.

UP - Cebu wants to expand its high school campus.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, the city’s acting mayor, said he has instructed city lawyers Collin Rosell and Jerone Castillo and City Administrator Lucelle Mercado to initiate a meeting with UP – Cebu officials, barangay officials, officials of the homeowners group, as well as Capitol representatives next week.

There have been plans for the fire victims to be relocated to an area in Nivel Hills owned by the provincial government.

“Now that the basic needs of the fire victims have been addressed, it’s time for us to sit down with them (UP representatives). I have designated (urban poor housing czar) lawyer  Collin Rosell, [City Attorney] Jerone Castillo and City Administrator Lucelle Mercado now that the province has also intervened… so I have already instructed them as soon as possible to meet next week,” Labella said.

“For as long as the stakeholders will be very objective [with open mind and heart], I think we can solve this problem. I’m prayerful that we will come up with a solution,” Labella said.

Labella disclosed his office received a written communication from UP-Cebu’s dean, laywers Liza Corro, last Wednesday but was only opened yesterday.

Earlier, Corro questioned the city’s move to intervene when the university ordered that the fire-stricken area be fenced on New Year’s Eve.

At least 200 homeless families are staying at the Lahug Elementary School.

The city targets finishing the clearing operations at the area as soon as possible so it can plot the designated lots for those who can avail of the city’s socialized housing plan prepared by the Department of Social Welfare Services.

“Ato paninguhaon mahuman siya og clear unya ma-plot dayon tungod kay naa na tay design para sa reblocking so mahatagan sila’g puwesto,” Mercado told The Freeman.

She said she personally wants the residents to return to the area. —/JMO (FREEMAN)