Cordova cold to 800 Badjaos

The plan to relocate the Badjaos from Alaska, Mambaling to Tongo Island in Cordova town may not push through because majority of town officials are opposed to the idea. The council passed a resolution last July 19 expressing its opposition to the plan.

More than 800 Badjaos lost their homes in a fire last month.

Cordova town mayor Arleigh Sitoy is amenable to the relocation but had admitted he had not discussed it with the council members.

In yesterday's consultation, Sitoy maintained that the municipal government is not the proponent of the plan to transfer the Badjaos in Cordova. He said the National Commission on Indigenous People endorsed the proposal and chose Tongo Island as the ideal site for the Badjaos.

Sitoy said the two hectares of prime lots at the South Reclamation Project promised to Cordova is not the reason why he is endorsing the relocation.

He said when he was president of the Jaycess he gave assistance to the Badjaos in Cebu City.

NCIP head Hazel Torrefil confirmed the statement of Mayor Sitoy saying that they visited different cities and municipalities to look for an ideal place for the Badjaos. She said they were informed that Tongo Island is a better site for the project.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña assured town officials and residents that he would support the needs of the town not only because of the Badjaos.

Municipal councilor Jonathan Gairanod said the municipal council was not properly consulted about the plan. The councilors are concerned about the peace and order in the island once the Badjaos are relocated there.

More than 800 Badjaos lost their homes to a fire last month in sitio Alaska. - Jose P. Sollano