Mayor orders release of cash aid, relocation for fire victims

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival has urged the swift release of financial assistance and relocation support for families affected by demolitions, following a meeting with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) Visayas.

Mayor Archival, in a meeting with PCUP Visayas Chief of Operations Chloe T. Manlosa-Osano, and its Development Management Officer Jam Veraces emphasized the urgency of streamlining aid delivery, noting that current processes often result in delays of several months to a year before beneficiaries receive financial support.

Archival wants a one-month turnaround for aid disbursement once requirements are met based on the report from the City’s PIO.

PCUP officials acknowledged the city’s numerous relocation sites but flagged the lack of a proper inventory system.

Osano reiterated that evictions must follow clear guidelines under PCUP’s mandate, with local governments responsible for ensuring timely relocation and financial assistance.

Veraces proposed empowering the Local Housing Board to craft policies that would clarify and accelerate the assistance process.

Mayor Archival welcomed the idea while stressing that support should be available even before families are physically relocated.

“Mas maayo gani nga wapa gani gi-relocate, naanay assistance,” Archival said.

The dialogue also touched on the elevation of the City Housing Office into a full department—a move that is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and improve service delivery for the urban poor.

PCUP Visayas also shared the development of a comprehensive database of ISFs and to collaborate on policy frameworks that uphold the dignity and rights of displaced families had also been discussed.

PCUP Visayas thanked Mayor Archival for his proactive stance and reaffirmed its support in advancing inclusive urban development across Cebu City. — /JG (FREEMAN)