Friday, August 10, 2007 Wenceslao: Transfer of Camp Lapu-Lapu By Bong O. Wenceslao Candid Thoughts
I ONCE stayed in Camp Lapu-Lapu for more than two years when I underwent what the military called a “rehabilitation” process. That was, I would say, the lowest period in my life. I tried looking at the future at that time and saw nothing but gloom. I spent my days cleaning the surrounding, doing errands, washing the dishes---and writing.
I was in Camp Lapu-Lapu when renegade soldiers launched one of those coups against the administration of then president Cory Aquino. Troops in the part of the camp where I was staying were obviously sympathetic to Gringo Honasan’s cause, but their commander was not. In the military, that was enough for the troops to toe the line.
When I was in high school, we frequented the Camp Lapu-Lapu grounds for Cebu-wide pass-in reviews, Southwestern U’s Citizens Army Training corps being among the top units then. We had our bivouac in one of the hills overlooking the camp when it was, of course, still forested and not a residential area like what the place is now.
I dug up those days because Camp Lapu-Lapu in Lahug, Cebu City will soon be history. President Arroyo has ordered the transfer of the camp to Mactan Island where its namesake, Lapu-Lapu City is located (the Engineering Brigade will hold fort in Tuburan town). The vacated lot will be reclaimed by its owner, the Provincial Government.
The change will be drastic. We have seen this in the old Club Filipino de Cebu, now the bustling Ayala business center. We have seen this in the old Lahug airport, now also a bustling business enclave. Efforts by the Cebu City Government to prevent Capitol officials from developing the area notwithstanding, I say change there is inexorable.
But that will only happen if there are no hitches to the transfer. I agree with the idea that until the last troop leaves the area, the process of change won`t be initiated. Still, I do think that, considering the growth of the population in Barangay Lahug and the neighboring Barangay Apas, it is time for the Armed Forces to look for better camp sites.
What I find amusing is the reaction of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and some members of the City Council to this development. The transfer of the camp benefits more Capitol and therefore Osmeña’s rival, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. Osmena’s ranting about protecting the interest of Apas residents thus sounds like it is a product of jealousy.
Once Capitol reclaims ownership of this “military” reservation, the fate of Barangay Apas residents occupying some of the lots will already depend primarily on Capitol officials and the homeowners. City Hall will be more of a kibitzer, just like what has happened to it in the case of families living in Capitol lots under Ordinance 93-1.
I doubt if the use of zoning as weapon will make City Hall a major player in Capital’s negotiations with the affected residents. Zoning may tie the hands of Capitol in developing its lots, but it won`t matter if the residents accepts Capitol’s terms. Will a socialized housing area declaration matter if homeowners opt for voluntary relocation?
Besides, time is with the Province. Administrations change but Capitol ownership of the lots won’t, unless these are sold. As the years pass, a less vindictive mayor and Council will likely take over City Hall, and new policies will be in place. Thus, change.
