SP ratifies acquisition of lot for informal settlers
BACOLOD CITY — The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City ratified last Wednesday the Deed of Absolute Sale to be entered into by and between the City Government of Bacolod and Nely Antigua, et al relative to the 58 hectares land situated at Brgy. Vista Alegre to be developed as relocation site for the informal settlers.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that with the signing of the Deed of Absolute Sale, this could possibly change the landscape of Bacolod and it will provide descent housing program for the thousands of squatters who had a pending demolition case.
“I signed this Deed of Absolute Sale that would enable the city to purchase a 58 hectares relocation site, and we will do this with the P250 million loan from the Philippine Veterans Bank,” Leonardia said.
He said that he signed the document fully conscious that some sectors opposed this kind of project. “While I listened to their concern, I also hear the anguish of the landless and the homeless families,” Leonardia lamented.
He cited the November 1, 2009 incident where most of the homeless were trapped in a fire that left 17 people dead at Brgy. 19.
The Local Chief Executive believed that with his decision, it will create another economic opportunity and development for the city of Bacolod.
He emphasized that after the ratification of the Deed of Sale, it will then be forwarded to the Philippine Veterans Bank for processing since he knew that it is not easy for the Local Government Unit to obtain this loan as this matter is just like passing the ‘’eye of the needle”.
“The city had already obtained a certificate of the borrowing capacity from the Bureau of Local Government Finance and we can even avail as much as P800 million loan,” Leonardia said.
