Construction of crisis center to resume soon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Vice Mayor Agnes Magpale is positive that the construction of the women and children crisis center in Barangay Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City will push through after the informal settler who has “held hostage” the property for the project finally agreed to relocate.

Magpale said that the informal settler, an old woman, said she will leave the property if she will be relocated to another place.

The vice governor said she offered a Gawad Kalinga house in Minglanilla town, but the woman turned it down and instead asked the Capitol to relocate her to Barangay Kalunasan, where the provincial government also has a relocation site.

“Under the [Urban Housing and Development Act], we can only give a financial assistance or a relocation site, which we already did. Minglanilla is a very good relocation site kay naa ang GK, titled lot. I talk to the old woman nga adto na sila didto but di siya, adto siya sa Kalunasan,” said the vice governor, who heads the Provincial Women’s Commission.

Magpale said the woman had also requested that the province build her a temporary structure while her new house will undergo construction.

Magpale said for “humanitarian” reasons, Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora accompanied her to Barangay Kalunasan to inspect the area and even provided a design for her new home.

Magpale said the lot in Sudlon is owned by the province, and the woman is “holding hostage” the developments they have there.

“This is just accommodation. I already explained to her what UDHA requires,” she said.

“I told her, ‘We can demolish your old house. You are holding hostage the project of the provincial government,” she said.

The P20-million project was supposed to be completed in July but its construction was stopped four months ago after the informal settler refused to give way to the construction.

The project will house rescued women and children who are victims of trafficking, abuse and violence. — Liv G. Campo/ATO (FREEMAN)