Baricuatro signs EO to resolve 93-1 issue

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro has signed Executive Order No. 4, marking a renewed effort to resolve the long-standing 93-1 land dispute involving thousands of informal settlers occupying provincial government-owned lots in Cebu City.

The executive order establishes a dedicated task force that will study and propose a long-term and lasting solution to the complex issue.

The land conflict—referred to as “93-1” because of the 1993 Provincial Board resolution—centers on the transfer of certain lots owned by the Province of Cebu to the Cebu City Government.

These lots are home to thousands of informal settlers who continue to fight for security of tenure.

Baricuatro stressed on the need of finally resolving the issue which has been hounding residents for decades.

Newly appointed Provincial Legal Department Head Atty. Guiller Ceniza recalled that under former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, agreements had stipulations to revoke the land deal if occupants failed to comply.

“So kana 1993 pa na. Gibalik-balik ang problema sa several agreements nga gi-enter sa Cebu,” he said.

“Ang intensyon nato karon kay dili lang panandaliang solusyon. Kinahanglan gyud nga lasting solution,” he added.

Atty. Ceniza mentioned that the current administration is also looking into the possibility of revisiting the land swap arrangement that was initially proposed during the term of former Governor Hilario Davide III.

He pointed out that the previous administration lacked a clear direction on how to successfully resolve the issue.

During Davide’s term, a land swap proposal had been put forward, which would have allowed the Province to acquire a portion of the South Road Properties (SRP), a move considered to be potentially beneficial. However, this arrangement was not recognized during the Garcia administration, leading to its revocation.

He added that Cebu City’s role is vital in this endeavor, since many of the affected lots are within the city’s jurisdiction.

“Maayo pud na sa ilaha kay sila may mag sulbad sa problema sa lots nga naa diri,” he added.

Under the new executive order, a study group will be composed of representatives from various agencies, stakeholders, and community sectors to explore all possible legal and humanitarian remedies.

“We are just fortunate that Cebu City also is very collaborative with us,” Baricuatro shared, expressing optimism over renewed cooperation between Capitol and Cebu City Hall with Mayor Nestor Archival.

On June 30, members of the Alliance of Barangay Apas and Community Associations (ABACA), one of the main groups affected by the 93-1 issue, visited the Capitol grounds to congratulate the new governor.

ABACA president Rebecca Flordeliz said their members cannot afford commercial housing rates.

“Dili mi ka afford maong unta socialized housing price ang ihatag sa amoa. Among ihangyo nga dili commercial price kay kami nasulod man mi sa socialized housing zone,” she appealed.

According to their latest survey, around 2,000 households fall under ABACA’s coverage.

Emily Malto, president of the 93-1 Movement, raised concerns about the Capitol’s past preference for a Pag-IBIG housing scheme, which she claims has strict requirements and a low approval rate for the urban poor.

“Wala jud ingon nga agreement, ila tong gusto nga kami mo-apply mi sa PAG-IBIG. Mao nay gusto sa Capitol, nisunod nalang mi,” she said.

Malto pushed for the implementation of a Deed of Donation made in August 2018.

“Mapadayon unta ang land swap deal nga i-kuan nalang jud sa Cebu City. Wad-on na ang PAG-IBIG,” she added.

She pointed out that many families could not meet Pag-IBIG’s requirements due to subdivision plan issues and narrow road access.

“Ang requirement sa Pag-IBIG, 1.5 meters ang right of way. Kasagaran kaniadto, ang approved subdivision plan namo is only 1 meter. So bagsak nami daan,” she explained.

Malto also accused past officials of withholding pricing information until after they had applied to Pag-IBIG.

For her part, Gov. Baricuatro expressed her understanding and emphasized social justice.

“I can understand where they’re coming from because it’s about home and security. We’ve been talking about this even during the campaign,” she noted. — (FREEMAN)