Mandaue to raffle off re-blocked lots to fire victims

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing and the Federation of Mandaue Community Urban Poor will sign a compromise deal with the fire victims from Barangay Guizo and Barangay Mantuyong that the re-blocked lots will be raffled off amongst the victims.

Following the re-blocking of the 9.2 hectare government property which was hit by a fire last year, the area can now accommodate only 359 beneficiaries out of 657 fire victims, thus, the government’s decision to conduct a raffle.

In his letter addressed to the City Council, Quisumbing is asking for authority from the council that he be allowed to enter into a compromise agreement with the organization, through its president, Ms. Norma A. Garbo.

Under the compromise agreement, the beneficiaries will agree to the system of drawing of lots that will be conducted by the city government in determining who among the fire victims can relocate back to the 9.2-hectare lot.

The fire victims have been temporarily staying at the Cebu International Convention Center grounds for almost a year now.

The re-blocked land is divided into 359 lots, with a lot area of 28 square meters intended per family. It was also stressed in the agreement that the selected beneficiaries will shoulder all the cost and secure the necessary permits required for the construction of their homes.

As for the remaining 298 fire victims who will not be selected, Quisumbing said the city is now scouting to purchase additional real property.

These new relocation sites may not necessarily be situated within Mandaue, the mayor said, adding that the government will ensure that those who will be relocated outside the city will have an advantage for employment, road networks, and access to electricity and water.

Once the City Council approves, the beneficiaries will execute an affidavit of undertaking stating that they are barred from selling, assigning or transferring the lot given to them by the city to any person by way of legal succession.

In 1998, the city government, under then mayor Alfredo Ouano, took the initiative in addressing the housing problem of the urban poor settlers, represented by the Federation of Mandaue Community Urban Poor Inc., and allowed them to settle at the 9.2 hectare property in Barangays Guizo and Mantuyong. (FREEMAN)