Housing site for Badjaos to prioritize fire victims

CEBU, Philippines — The housing and relocation site intended for the Badjaos will not be limited to the recent fire victims but will also accommodate all Badjaos and Muslims living in stilts in Sitio Badjaoawans-Naba, Barangay Mambaling.

This clarification was made by Task Force Pabahay overseer and City Councilor Jerry Guardo. He, however, said the fire victims will be the top priority.

Guardo emphasized the urgency of relocating the fire victims to prevent others from rebuilding in the same area where their homes once stood.

"Unahon namo ni sila kay basin nyag naay magtukod na pud og balik didto sa ilang gipuy-ang dapit sa Mambaling... Unya, i-clearing lang gihapon sila sa DPWH, unya maka bayad pa mi nila, doble-doble na among gasto unya ani," Guardo explained.

The proposed relocation site spans about two hectares located at the boundary of Bulacao and Inayawan. Guardo said that they are preparing a large area in anticipation of other Badjaos, Muslims, and other groups who might be displaced once the Mambaling bypass road construction intensifies.

The initial plan includes the construction of around 300 stilt houses through efforts by the city government, donations, or Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

"But this is expandable... We will not only accommodate the fire victims in Sitio Naba but also kato pung ubang mga Badjaos and Muslims ug unsa pa na sila na mga grupo diha, lain-lain man diay ni sila," Guardo added.

Guardo assured that the design of the houses will be environment-friendly and will not harm the mangroves. According to a report from the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, there are 1,904 mature mangrove trees of different species in the Inayawan area.

Task Force Pabahay (TFB) is also exploring the potential of developing the relocation site into an eco-tourism site in the future.

Guardo said that other locals who might be affected by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) road project will have a separate relocation site. Additionally, Guardo revealed that an inventory of the displaced families is underway to ensure that no other individuals or families take undue advantage of the housing project. — /FPL (FREEMAN)