COMMUNITIES near the housing project at Kesbeng, Poblacion in La Trinidad, Benguet fear for the community’s safety with the new developer seeking to continue operation of the subdivision project.
But despite opposition from residents, a motion for reconsideration was filed by the CDJ Group Construction and Development Corporation asking for the revocation of the cease and desist order issued by Mayor Romeo Salda of a residential subdivision situated at Kesbeng that contain an aggregate area of 91,101 square meters.
CDJ Group through a letter, informed the municipality that they have taken over the operation, management and development of the project of Cordillera Homes Saint Francis Community Association Inc. (CHSFCAI).
“The CDJ Group practically bind itself to abide by the Development Permit issued by this Honorable Office [Mayor’s Office]. There being no amendments or deviations to the Development Permit except of the fact that the development will be undertaken by the CDJ Group in order to fast tract development, it is respectfully submitted that there is no need for CDJ Group to secure another Development Permit,” stated the motion.
CDJ, added in their motion that since it took over, it has installed mitigating measures such as gabions, retaining wall, and large drainage canals, hiring consultants, engineers and laborers to prevent damages to the low-lying and adjacent properties.
CHSFAI, is a subdivision development under the Group Land Acquisition and Development (GLAD) funding program of Pag-Ibig. In 2015, the municipal council through a resolution approved the development permit of CHSFCAI.
On October 16, a meeting was held with the communities affected the municipality to discuss issues concerning CHSFCAI and CDJ Group.
Within the nine-hectare titled property, municipal officials presented observations there were at least 19 on-going building constructions without building permits in the project site and waste soil materials, debris are scattered on the critical slopes of the subdivision.
In the dialogue, Lemuel Garcia, a resident from Buyagan conveyed their fear of a landslide that might occur in their area.
“It may not be muddy, but the water is enough to cause siltation. With the CDO mentioned, anya ba ti umay baru nga developer (what will the new developers bring?), when they say they want to develop, what exact developments? For how many years, we have petitioned against having huge structures. If they are going to continue with their original plan... we fear landslide might occur in our area,” Garcia said.
On September 17, the United Kesbeng Neighborhood Association together with the residents of Buyagan, appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to direct developers to execute above-standard mitigating measures.
The letter stated the irresponsible earth moving activities of the developer coupled with the non-compliance of mitigating measures will affect the community. It added the effects of typhoon Ompong caused landslides and flooding due to the excessive water from the housing project.
Ludivina Aquino, the president of the association said there were violations committed by previous developers and they are wondering why the CDJ group should be exempted from this.
“Based on the photo alone, we could see the very critical nature especially on the Kesbeng area and we hope there will no more (tragedies) coming aside from typhoon Ompong,” she added.
Councilor Pendon Thompson, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative recommended for the conduct of the Free Prior and Informed Consent although the area is considered a private property.
“For 13 years, Agsasangit ti bantay, kasano tayo nga mapsardeng ti bantay nga agsangsangit (For 13 years the mountain is crying. How will we stop the mountain from its horrible state)?” Thompson said.
He added should CDJ pursue with the development, they must comply with the FPIC.