Illegal settlers assured of relocation areas

CEBU, Philippines —  Dwellers within the three-meter easement have been re-assured by the Cebu City Government that they will be taken care of when Task Force Gubat sa Baha starts clearing the easements of rivers, waterways, and seafronts.

“Mapahawa man tuod mo gikan sa gipuy-an ninyo kilid sa sapa, apan sa condo community na man pod unya mo mamuyo pohon,” said Atty. Jerone G. Castillo, special assistant to Mayor Mike Rama, during its meeting with residents living along the three-meter easement along Estero de Parian.

In the meantime though, those that are due for demolition will be under a temporary shelter at the South Road Properties (SRP) and some other areas in the city, the city’s PIO reported.

Castillo shared that developer Arthaland Corporation is offering to build a medium rise building (MRB) for socialized housing and offered to design a whole-green inspired township of MRBs for their resettlement.

One of Arthaland’s township projects in Manila, Sevina, features the incorporation of condominium units and townhouses in one property which can also be replicated here in Cebu City for those affected by the clearing of structures along rivers and other waterways.

A sustainable developer that gives premium to green development, sustainability and wellness, Arthaland will include in the plan for the township provisions a community market, schools and a shopping center.

Townships are master-planned, integrated, and mixed-use development that offers residents the convenience to live, work and play in one area, unlike the usual subdivision and stand-alone projects accordingly.

To design a township complete with topographical engineering studies is expensive “and this will be at no cost to the city,” Castillo added.

“Maong ni adto si mayor sa Manila because he wanted to find resources for socialized housing para sa sama ninyo nga apektado sa paghawan unya sa 3-meter easement,” Castillo told the residents.

Castillo said they are now looking into getting clearance from the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) to proceed with the master plan.

“Atong gihulat na lang is makakuha ta og clearance from the DENR by November 18, then we can commence with the masterplan,” Castillo said.

Those included in the list of beneficiaries will have to undergo training and seminar on condo community living.

Those that will not be included in the township have about 200 to 300 MRBs as options. — GAN (FREEMAN)