P1.9M in cash aid for illegal dwellers in Mandaue sought

CEBU, Philippines - The Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO) in Mandaue City has recommended that informal settlers who wish to return to their provinces be given P1.9 million in assistance.

Edgardo Sanchez and Cynthia Suico of  the Community AffaIRS Officer of HUDO said 156 informal settlers have already availed of the city’s Balik-Probinsya program.

HUDO’s recommendation is awaiting approval by the city council.

Twenty-five families that are members of the Philcadan Homeowners Association in sitio Orel in barangay Banilad will each receive P18,300 while 126 informal settlers in barangays Paknaan, Tabok, and Maguikay will each receive P10,000.

Suico said starting this month, the city will enforce the demolition of houses of illegal settlers living in sitio Orel, Banilad, Subangdaku, Maguikay, and in Zone Monggos in barangay Paknaan.

HUDO expects 257 families more will move to the relocation site before the year ends.

At present, 50 families are already living at the 6.5 relocation site in barangay Paknaan.  (FREEMAN)