Mahiga Creek settlers start own demolition

CEBU, Philippines - Informal settlers residing within the three-meter easement of Mahiga Creek in Sitios Mahayahay and Mahusay in Barangay Subangdaku fronting SM City Cebu started to voluntarily tear down their shanties after the legal office sent the demolition team recently.

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.

Toni Pet Juanico, head of Housing Urban Development Office, said the relocation area is already developed having been landfilled with electrical and water connection, as well as road access.

Juanico added that the rip-rapping project at the foreshore area is about to commence to be supplemented with a similar project by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

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

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