CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Cebu said they have plans to take back the lot hit by a fire in Sitio Avocado, Barangay Lahug, to build more classrooms.
Armed with a land title and accompanied by an architect, an engineer and security guards, UP Cebu Dean Liza Corro talked with fire victims yesterday in front of the fire site and in the Lahug Elementary School and reminded them that UP Cebu owns the lot and they want to recover it for the construction of additional classrooms.
“Our primary mandate is to educate people and students. Unsaon man pagbuhat if ang building di mapadayun. Mobalibad mi mo-accept kay wa’y classroom. Wala mi mo-force sa pagpahawa but mohangyo mi,” Corro told fire victims and barangay officials.
She however, offered a two hectare relocation site in Barangay Busay near GMA-7 Cebu.
She said the architectural and engineering design for the construction of new building was awarded in 2013 but this did not materialize because their lot was occupied.
Architect Dioscoro Alesna Jr., told the media they already have a subdivision plan for the relocation site that can house 84 units with 32 square meters each. While there is still no water and power in the relocation site itself, he said they can develop the area next year.
Corro said those interested to relocate can be relocated anytime. She added that in fact some of their employees live in the area.
Corro said she went to the area after learning the city government wanted to re-block the fire site without consulting them. She said their architect and engineer went to the City Hall but failed to meet with Department of Engineering and Public Works head Jose Marie Poblete, thus, they went to the fire site and talked to the residents and officials of Barangay Lahug.
Corro said for a long time they allowed the used of their lot but now they wanted to use it for additional classrooms. Last Saturday night, a fire razed over 80 houses leaving 800 individuals homeless.
The fire victims oppose Corro’s idea. Arturo Lagahit and Dioscoro Villas said they were against the presence of guards in the area. They feared that they cannot return.
“Admitted nga ang tag-iya nianang luna ang UP kay gi-donate na sa Cebu Provincial Government ngadto sa UP and naay agreement nga kinahanglan nga ma improve ang luna within 50 years as prescribed date if dili mabalik ang luna sa government. Among pangutana karon wala man gyud na na-improve ang maong luna, nabalik naba na sa gobyerno?” Lagahit said.
Aside from Lagahit and Villas, some elders and victims are opposed to the relocation site saying it is too far away and inaccessible.
Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella said the city government will negotiate with the administration of the university after the clearing operation in the fire-stricken area.
“I have not talked with them, but we will come into that. Our concern now is to provide basic services to our fire victims,” he told reporters yesterday.
The UP administration has not been consulted on the city’s plan to use their property and allow the fire victims to rebuild their houses in the area.
Collin Rosell, head of the city’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor, said that the city is firm on its stand that no one should be dislocated by the reason of fire.
Rosell said he was able to talk with the administration of the university two years ago. He said the possibility of purchasing the lot is always open since it is in line with the social housing program of the city.
“Kon needed sa (housing) program, i-purchase nato kay anyway naa man tay kwarta para ana,” he said, adding that problems may arise if the university will not accede.
“Ang UP is a government institution, in fact it is the prime university that the government operated and supported. Siguro UP has some other plans nga makatabang sa mga tao much better sa among plans. I understand, UP graduates mga hait kaayo na mostly they are the leaders sa atong nasud. So, I expect nga they will have a better approach than ours.
Mao na akong gi expect. Until this time, with all due respect sa UP nga atong gihangad, wala pako kadungop,” he said. — (FREEMAN)