Housing problem tops urban poor concerns

CEBU, Philippines – Urban poor housing problems take centerstage in yesterday's celebration of the World Habitat Day in Cebu City.

The celebration also served as venue for at least two city councilors to report to the urban poor during a forum held at the audio visual room of Cebu Technological Sciences what they have accomplished during their first 100 days.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo was the guest speaker during the celebration.

Robredo admitted urban housing is the most common problem in almost all urban areas in the country. Aside from the housing, livelihood is also a common problem among urban poor.

"Ngunit ang problema ay hindi lang bahay, kundi pamumuhay," Robredo said.

He said there is no magic solution to solve these problems because it needs a huge amount to relocate them and to give them livelihood.

"Madaling sabihin na ilipat natin yung mga temporary settlers ngunit ang tanong saan natin sila ilalagay," he added.

According to Robredo, there are approximately 1.4 million informal settlers nationwide. Robredo urged local government officials to formulate a solution that is best for everybody.

Cebu City Councilors Nida Cabrera and Alvin Dizon who are all identified with the urban poor sector took advantage of the forum to report their accomplishments during their first 100 days in office.

Cabrera said she focused her efforts in the council to ensure proper garbage disposal in the city. According to her, she is working right now to have a new land fill that is a hi-tech to benefit the urban poor as it will create more jobs.

Cabrera, a pioneer in the "may pera sa basura" program, encouraged Cebuanos to practice recycling by converting "trash to products."

Dizon on the other hand presented his report that focuses more on the housing program of the city.

He also presented a resolution that the residents of the controversial 93-1 lot will be exempted from transport tax.

Freedom of Information, Welfare for BPO agents, strict compliance of the Senior Citizens law, Magna Carta on Women and wage increase and dengue prevention are also some of the inclusions in his report. (FREEMAN)