THE Cagayan de Oro City Government is proposing to build a medium-rise housing project for the more than 100 families who lost their homes in a fire in Mulmac, Barangay Macabalan on July 15.
But City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, chairperson of the committee on subdivision and landed estate, said this plan might not push through, citing the Philippine Port Authority's (PPA) security concerns with the creation of a residential area just beside the new terminal, promoted as an international port.
Cabanlas said the 100 families are illegally residing in the area owned by the PPA and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The BFAR has already waived its rights of the property, but the PPA is still hesitant, he said.
"The PPA raised the security concerns, because it might affect their rating as an international port. If you build a medium rise there, residents can see the activities of the port and this is supposedly against the international requirements for security," Cabanlas said.
In July, the government just inaugurated the country's "biggest" port passenger terminal building. The brand new building is poised to "greatly strengthen the region as the global gateway to Mindanao."
Currently, Cabanlas said they are seeking permission and approval from the PPA national office.
"Primary nato nga gusto unta diha ra gyud sa area mabutang sila para dili lang malayo sa ilang trabaho ug dili sad malayo ilang mga anak sa eskwela, but it will all depend on the factors, such as the approval on the national level, security issues, and the cost of the project," he said.
Should the City fail to get an approval, Cabanlas said they have prepared a contingency plan for the fire victims -- transferring them to a relocation site either in Barangay San Simon, Lumbia, or Balubal.
He said relocating them will be much efficient and an easier task for the city.
In the meantime, the fire victims are allowed to temporarily rebuild their homes in Mulmac.