Parañaque eyes ‘return’ program for families of demolished homes

The Parañaque City government is set to launch the "Balik-Probinsya" program, which aims to help families left homeless by a series of demolition activities in Barangay Sun Valley.

Nelson Lacambra, spokesman of Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe, said the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Development Office will act as the coordinator of the program, which will encourage the illegal settlers to return to their respective provinces.

"We think it would do them good if they just go back to their hometowns so that they will have a place they can call their own and not worry about where to settle just like what is happening to them now," Lacambra said in an interview.

He noted that those who are interested in becoming beneficiaries of the program will be given transportation fare as well as an allowance.

"The issue here involves a private matter, but even if their irresponsibility as tenants is proven, we would still extend help to them, having been under Parañaque’s supervision for a long time," Lacambra said.

Around 350 families were left with nowhere to go as their houses were destroyed during successive demolition activities in Garville Subdivision, Barangay Sun Valley last week.

The residents were actually tenants in the area but have continued to produce payment.

Lacambra said affected residents come from the provinces but have been living in the city for more than 30 years.

He added that local officials are also looking for a place that could serve as a temporary settlement for those affected by the demolition, which had resulted in clashes between residents and elements of the Regional Special Action Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office.

The demolition was enforced through an order issued by Judge Fortunito Madrona of Parañaque Regional Trial Court-Branch 274.