City doing consultations with 93-1 beneficiaries

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) is now identifying the various problems of at least 5,000 beneficiaries of the 93-1 land swap deal to gather ideas in coming up with guidelines for the official disposition of the lots.

After the Cebu Province and the Cebu City Government sealed the exchange of properties last August 3, the city now owns the provincial lots identified in the ordinance.

The beneficiaries are from Barangays Kamputhaw, Capitol Site, Kalunasan, Busay, Luz, Lahug, Mabolo, Apas, Lorega, San Miguel, Kasambagan, and Tejero.

DWUP Operations Head Genevieve Alcoseba told reporters that they consulted the beneficiaries to get more insights in the official transferring of lots.

After the signing of Deed of Donation and Acceptance, they already proceeded with the consultation.

Of the 46 homeowners associations, 26 were already consulted in order to see what the real situation on the ground is.

Of the 26 consulted groups, DWUP has conducted tagging to 16 associations, which include the determination the specific problems of individual beneficiaries.

“We cannot finalize the crafting of the guidelines unless we cannot have a total comprehension of what is really happening in the grounds, og unsa man gyud ang tinood (nga) predicament ug dilemma sa mga tawo. It’s so ironic nga mohimo ka og balaod without even understanding the total situation in the ground,” Alcoseba said.

Among the identified complications on the ground is that one lot already has five occupants and the houses are not in accordance with the subdivision plan.

She admitted that they are not amenable with the suggestion of Councilor Jose Daluz III to deal with the beneficiaries individually, not by associations.

She said the associations will serve as an outlet for the city government to relay whatever information about the disposition of lots.

Alcoseba said if they will handle it individually, it would create chaos or conflict between the beneficiaries.

However, she emphasized that he understands why Daluz made such recommendation saying the latter is just doing his job being the voice of the public in the city council.

“Para nako nga kami ang naa sa grounds, we are doing the dirty works, we don’t see it applicable. Dapat naa sa kay baseline nga sakto nga guidelines unsa i-deal ang tanan. After maka-come-up og guidelines mao na’y base sa tanan,” Alcoseba said.

She added that the disposal of property is by individual contract, not by homeowners associations.

The DWUP vowed to finish the consultation by October.

Alcoseba said councilors are not barred from giving recommendations, as she also invited them to attend to the Local Housing Board meeting on the first week of October.

After the said process, they are expected to submit the guidelines before the city council for approval.

Before they will present to the city council, they will let Mayor Tomas Osmeña see it for possible suggestions. (FREEMAN)