Mandaue City sets relocation target

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government will relocate informal settlers within the three-meter easement of Mahiga Creek in Barangay Subangdaku and other barangays before the end of this year.

In yesterday's press conference, Toni Pet Juanico, head of the Housing Urban Development Office, said the realization of their target will also depend upon the Mandaue City Legal Office which has been given the task to implement the demolition of shanties.

While some residents have voluntarily demolished their structures near the creek, others insist on staying as the 6.5-hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan is still being developed.

Leopoldo Chavez, president of Mahayahay Homeowners Association, Inc., was the first to voluntarily demolish his structure including the organization's office.

Roger Paller, public information officer of Mandaue City, reported that of the more than 300 affected houses in both sitios, 200 have slots in the 6.5-hectare relocation area in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City.

The city will be giving financial assistance to those who cannot be accommodated in the relocation area.

The aid will be equivalent to the existing minimum wage multiplied by 60 days as provided for under the Urban Development and Housing Act.

Juanico said they asked Mandaue City Legal Officer Giovani Tianero to demolish at least 150 structures every month in order for them to reach their target.

According to Juanico, Mayor Jonas Cortes directed all offices involved in the project to fast-track the development of the relocation site, which according to him, is one of the priority actions under his administration.

Tianero, on the other hand, said they are trying their best to reach the target but he admitted that the weather sometimes causes the delay in the implementation of the demolition order.

He said the affected residents were already given notice that their shanties are subject for demolition.

Some of the affected residents have demolished their shanties, especially those living in Sitio Mahayahay and Mahusay in Barangay Subangdaku.

One of the affected residents appealed to Mandaue City officials to give them more days as she promised that they will voluntary tear down their houses.

"Andam mi mobalhin sa maong lugar basta makita namo nga andam na ang maong lugar," the resident said.

Meanwhile, Juanico said they are hastening the preparation of the relocation site in Paknaan.  (FREEMAN)