Free lot for settlers at UP but…

CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Cebu is willing to accommodate the settlers in its property on Gorordo Avenue in Barangay Lahug to its other property near the GMA-7 compound for free if the settlers will transfer immediately.

“We are still in the planning stage but initially, we will give the lot for free to those who will immediately avail of this relocation site,” said the school Chancellor Liza Corro.

She added, “I hope this time, the illegal settlers will cooperate with us.”

Corro said each recipient can avail of 33 square meters provided that the lot will not be sold to anyone else.

It was the provincial government that donated the two-hectare property situated in an uphill part of Barangay Lahug.

Corro said the university won the ejectment case against the illegal settlers at the Municipal Trial Court but the settlers elevated the case to the Regional Trial Court.

UP itself asked the MTC to allow it to demolish the settler’s houses while the appeal is ongoing.

The disputed lot along Gorordo Avenue, which is around seven hectares, is occupied by at least 1,000 houses and other concrete structures.

Corro said the entire property of UP Cebu is about 13 hectares but the school is only able to utilize about six hectares.

She said they need about 3,000 square meters for the construction of the P65 million building for its high school.

“The current high school building is now dilapidated that’s why we badly needed this 3,000 square meters,” Corro said.

At present, 97 illegal settlers are occupying the 3,000 square-meter lot. (FREEMAN)