ABOUT 40 families in Purok Makawiwili, Barangay Punta Taytay in Bacolod City asked assistance from Councilor Renecito Novero to help them to settle their problem with the donor of their residential lots.
Novero, chairperson of committee on housing and resettlement, said he held a public hearing last week with the affected families, barangay officials, and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“The land was donated by the Rojas family with a condition that after three years, they should develop the area, but they failed to do so. The land owner revoked its donation and sold it to a church," he said.
He said the affected families cannot blame the landowner because they have a contract so they need to be relocated.
The barangay officials offered to relocate the affected families to Purok Bayanihan 2 in Barangay Punta Taytay.
Novero said the affected families should have a relocation site before their houses will be demolished and they should also cooperate.
“The barangay officials assured them they will be transferred to Purok Bayanihan 2 considered as a fishermen village, and is a stable area," he said.
He added that the DENR reported that Purok Makawiwili is not suitable for residential area because it is unstable or a danger zone.
Novero said he will make a final recommendation this week to ensure the relocation of the affected families.
