Informal settlers assured: No relocation, no demolition

CEBU, Philippines — Shanties of squatters in Barangay Lahug would not be demolished unless residents are given proper relocation, said the Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).

Lawyer Meriam Fernandez- Escober, DWUP head, said the private lot owner, University of the Philippines-Cebu, should ensure the relocation of affected informal settlers before tearing down their houses.

At least 74 structures are affected by the looming demolition.

“Among gipasalig sa ila nga dili mi mo-recommend og demolition unless naa’y relocation,” said Escober.

She said a clearance from the city government is needed before the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) can give the go signal for the demolition.

“Dili man pud ta kahatag og certification or recommendation to PCUP to proceed with the demolition unless ma-ensure nato nga sakto ang relocation site,” she said.

Pursuant to Executive Order No.82 dated December 8, 1986, PCUP serves as the direct link of the urban poor to the government in policy formulation and program implementation addressed to their needs.

Also, PCUP is the final clearance for all the demolitions, particularly for infra projects.

On February 2 this year, the Regional Trial Court Branch 19 issued a writ of demolition against families occupying the lot owned by the university.

UP-Cebu wants to build additional high school buildings on the property.  The project will be funded by the national government.

City government, however, will not implement the demolition order unless UP-Cebu finds a suitable relocation site for the informal settlers.

Escober said the city government is now coordinating with the university as to the relocation site.

So far, the university has only identified 24 home lots in Barangay Busa.y

“Naa’y relocation site but dapat paadtuon ang mga tawo, dapat i-inspect ang area and pangutan-on pud nato nga naa ba’y enough home lots kay dili man pud pwede nga moingon lang ta nga naa’y relocation site, balhin namo,” Escober said.

She clarified though that UP-Cebu and the city government are both responsible for finding and providing a relocation site for the settlers. — KBQ (FREEMAN)