City to look for vending, relocation sites – Rama
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday assured the city would look for alternative vending and relocation sites for Mahiga Creek residents affected by demolitions.
Rama told this to residents a day after he met in Manila with Vice President Jejomar Binay and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia about the city’s urban poor problems.
Rama, however, stood firm on his decision to continue removing illegal structures along creeks and rivers, and to dredge the waterways to prevent floods when rains start.
More than 50 sitio San Isidro residents affected by the demolitions in Mahiga Creek visited the mayor at City Hall to appeal for reconsideration.
Rama, who was hesitant at first to meet them, held a dialog with the residents led by Gemma Rosaseña, president of the San Isidro Homeowners Association.
He reminded them that a complaint was already filed against him by the urban poor at the Visayas Ombudsman’s Office and the court.
“Diba naa may kaso nga na file nako? Unsa na may status sa kaso? Dili na lang ta mag balik balik ug storya ani,” said Rama.
(Isn’t there a case already filed? What’s the status? Let’s not keep going back and forth on this.)
He, however, assured them that he was looking for a solution to the housing problem and their relocation.
“Seryoso ko sa atong programa sa housing. Dili sad ko gusto nga mawala mo sa Cebu City kay kahibaw ko nga kamo ni botar nako (I’m serious about our housing program. I don’t want you to leave Cebu City because I know you were among those who voted for me),” he said.
He said he already asked urban poor consultant Gerry Marquez to find them an alternative vending area.
Rama also updated the residents of his meeting in Manila.
He said Governor Garcia may agree to let Cebu City use a province-owned lot in barangay Banilad, Cebu City as a relocation site for illegal settlers.
“It’s good news. I think Garcia will make the announcement herself and Binay is serious to come in. So serious that he would want to talk to (DILG Secretary Jesse) Robredo on the issue because it’s his office that has the manpower,” he said.
He said he would ask the governor to donate the lot near the Mahiga Creek in Banilad to the city government.
“After all, most of the Mahiga River residents are from the province,” said Rama.
Meanwhile Governor Garcia assured the province’s willingness to help the city government.
“It is really the problem of the city but the province is willing to extend assistance,” she said.
Rama cited several properties in the city as possible relocation sites including the City Center in barangay Kamagayan as areas that could be converted into an urban poor housing site.
He also mentioned sites in barangays Guba, San Jose, Budlaan and La Guerta in Lahug.
Rama also said that Vice President Binay would send his representatives to coordinate with the governor and then with Cebu City to resolve the fate of residents occupying lots under Provincial Ordinance 93-1.
Rama said he would be part of the solution here.
Garcia said the three-corner meeting was fruitful and that Vice President Binay appreciated her proposal to offer some of the available properties of the province as relocation sites for informal settlers. by Doris C. Bongcac, Chief of Reporters with reports from Correspondents Carmel Loise Matus and Edison A. Delos Angeles
