Move to resolve cemetery issues stalled

CEBU, Philippines - Representatives of two concerned offices of the city government failed to participate in the executive session of the City Council yesterday to update the legislative body of the concerns of the families affected by the impending development at the Doña Pepang Cemetery.

The council agreed to hold another session on August 26 but Councilor Alvin Dizon, chairperson of the Council’s committee on housing, asked the city to put any demolition on hold until all issues are resolved.

“To respectfully request the office of the mayor and PROBE to temporarily suspend the demolition (of houses) of the affected urban poor families situated inside and around the Doña Pepang Cemetery until the city government can provide a proper and adequate relocation for the affected families,” Dizon said.

Personnel of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement have said they could not attend the session. Administrative aides of DWUP were able to attend but said only their heads are authorized to speak on the issue.

“I move to conduct another round of executive session on this issue and make sure that the officials of PROBE and DWUP will attend,” Dizon said.

In June, Mayor Michael Rama ordered to remove and clear the illegal structures at the cemetery – affecting Barangays Tejero and Carreta – so that the city can convert the area into a heritage park.

During the special session yesterday, Tejero barangay officials and residents insisted that a proper resettlement site must be provided before any clearing operation is conducted.

Jolly Cabrera, one of the affected residents, said they are not against of any development at the area but are only asking for proper relocation before any clearing can be carried out.

Tejero Councilman Garry Lao said he and co-officials of the barangay fear that the city will forget to relocate the families affected once the structures are removed.

“Nagtuo gayud kami nga pasagdaan ug biyaan ra gyud na sama sa among nasinati kaniadto… amo mismo nasinati niadtong 2011 human usa ka sunog niigo sa among barangay. Human sa re-blocking, gibiyaan lang nga walay klaro ang drainage program,” he said.

“DWUP told us that nine will be relocated then later on, we were informed that only five can be accommodated, and now, this morning, the Barangay Lorega officials told us that of the five, only two can be relocated. We are now confused,” Lao said. — (FREEMAN)