43 families facing demolition seek city's help
BACOLOD CITY -- Forty-three (43) families from Purok Yanson, Barangay Mandalagan this city appeared last session at the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Bacolod to ask for immediate support and assistance from the city government as they face demolition in the month of April 2009.
Perlita Abenido, spokesperson of Purok Yanson Community, said their problem was already brought to the attention of the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) but said office could not provide for relocation site as the Abada-Escay property is already fully occupied by the urban poor.
Last February 16, 2009, the residents of Purok Yanson signed a petition letter addressed to the Sangguniang Panglungsod seeking for financial assistance because on the first week of April, they will be demolished by the property owner.
Abenido said that most of the residents are jobless and could not afford to finance the construction of their shanties even if they would be transferred to a relocation site.
Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Dindo Ramos, chairman of the committee on housing and urban resettlement, said he will coordinate with the land owners so that the scheduled demolition will be delayed for the next month.
SP Member Ramos along with Mayor Evelio Leonardia is now fastracking the acquisition of land adjacent to the Abada-Escay property.
Mayor Leonardia confirmed that the city government will negotiate with the Philippine National Bank for the release of P250 million loan agreement in order to avail of the targeted property.
This amount will be utilized for the development of lands, electrification and as well as the proper implementation of the drainage system. The residents said that as of now, there will be 10 families facing demolition out of the more than 50 families confronted with demolition notice.