Informal settlers seek delay in demolition of structures in Bacolod village

BACOLOD City – Twenty-two informal settler families (ISFs) affected by the demolition of structures behind the Manokan Country in Barangay 12 here have appealed for a one-month extension to the Local Housing Board (LHB).

The ISFs were given until January 28 to vacate the area.

Barangay 12 captain Ely Alcantara Jr. said that the ISFs together with the barangay council will also make an appeal to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez when he returns to his office on January 20 from an official leave.

“This is because the ISFS are not yet ready to transfer in the relocation site for they have not yet fix their water and electricity utilities,” he added.

Alcantara said that originally, there were 65 affected ISFs but some of them have voluntary vacated their structures, thus only 22 were left.

Of the number, only 17 have been qualified to transfer to the relocation site in Barangay Vista Alegre.

Yesterday, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) led a pre-demolition conference (PDC) in relation to the Manokan Country redevelopment project covered Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) Nos. T-55865 and T-55866 situated in barangays 10 and 12 in this city.

The PCUP oversees the protection of urban poor communities during demolitions. It ensures compliance with legal procedures, advocates for fair resettlement, and facilitates dialogue between affected communities and authorities.

It aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of displaced individuals during such processes.

To recall, the city government formalized on Oct. 20, 2023 a partnership with property giant SM Prime Holdings Inc. to modernize the Manokan Country at the reclamation area.

The Manokan Country Redevelopment Project involves a multi-billion contract for the lease and development of various city properties signed between Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim, represented by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here