City government to educate public about UDHA

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government is working closely with the urban poor advocates to educate all sectors of society about the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA).

Evangeline Abejo, poverty alleviation consultant of Mayor Michael Rama, said they want to reach out to all the 14 basic sectors especially those who do not belong to any homeowners associations for them to be given the chance to avail of government housing projects.

Abejo observed that only those that belong to homeowners associations have been oriented about the UDHA.

“Ang UDHA is dili lang kay sa mga organized groups…We need to extend awareness on all basic sectors,” Abejo said.

The basic sectors are the urban poor, indigenous people and cultural communities, farmers and the landless rural workers, artisanal fisher folks, workers in formal labor and migrant workers, workers in the informal sector, women, persons with disabilities, victims of disasters and calamities, children, youth and students, senior citizens, non-government organizations and cooperatives.

These sectors represent the diverse groups of people in the country. Each sector has unique needs and contributions to society.

Abejo said the Barug Cebu City advocates want to organize all the basic sectors in the city. She clarified that their group is not part of the mayor’s political party, but a group of people who are one with the mayor’s visions for the city.

“Gusto namong e-encourage sa atong mga kaigsoanan sa Cebu City nga mabatyagan, o masabtan ang UDHA…dapat tanan aware about ani,” Abejo added.

Abejo said they are currently mapping out their plans for a citywide information campaign concerning housing and even about demolition and ejectment. — (FREEMAN)