Capitol allows Tejero families to rebuild homes in 93-1 lots

The families of barangay Tejero whose homes were razed by a fire last Aug. 23 were allowed to rebuild their houses on province-owned lots by the Capitol.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he met with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in her office last Monday and she agreed to let the families stay temporarily on the lots.

“The governor will discuss their fate after returning from her Latin America trip,” he said.

Tejero councilor Garry Lao said the Aug. 23 fire displaced 83 families who occupied a Capitol-owned lot located in their barangay. Lao said these families occupy 93-1 lots.

The Capitol owns 6,074 sq. meters of lot in barangay Tejero, which are subdivided into 60 parcels under Ordinance 93-1.

After the fire, affected families approached Lao for help to ask the Capitol for reconsideration of their plight.

“We also think that it was prudent to ask for consent from the lot owner first,” Lao said.

He said the barangay refused to issue clearances that will allow 93-1 occupants to rebuild their structures.

Last Oct. 4, the families met with Capitol consultant Jose Marie Gastardo to discuss their concerns.

Lao said Gastardo told them that only Garcia could decide if they would be allowed to rebuild their burnt structure in the area.

Also present during the meeting between Rama and Garcia was Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann delos Santos.

The barangay captain asked the governor to allow use of a province-owned lot for the construction of a market building that can accommodate vendors who sell near the Aderan Hotel in Lahug.

“But they (lot occupants) need to discuss with the governor with finality the issue on their existence there.  I am willing to help if they need my presence,” Rama said. The mayor said Garcia agreed to Delos Santos’ request.

He said the city was also willing to assist barangay Lahug on the planned construction should they need help.