“THE City Government of Bacolod has already cleared almost 60 percent of illegal structures in various areas in the city.”
This was stressed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año Friday, August 30, during the launching of Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) in Bacolod Government Center.
Año along with Chief Justice of the Philippines Lucas Bersamin, Department of Justice Secretary Mernardo Guevarra, and European Union to the Philippines Head of Cooperation Enrico Strampelli led the launching of JSCC.
He said on Thursday, Mayor Evelio Leonardia presented to him the report on the demolition of illegal structures which showed almost 60 percent of illegal structures in Bacolod were already demolished.
“Up to the end of the deadline, I believe that Bacolod could comply their objectives to clear all the roads as well as the danger zones with informal settlers,” he said.
He added he is hopeful that all Bacolodnons will support and cooperate with the local government officials for the removal of the illegal structures.
The demolition of illegal structures is in pursuant to Memorandum Circular 2019-121 of the DILG, directing local government officials to implement the clearing of roads.
The DILG memo stated that within 60 calendar days, significant results must be achieved, documented, and reported together with the efforts of the local government units to sustain the same.
Año said that after the 60 days, there will be no extension and the local government should comply with the directive.
“Most of the barangays in the country were complying with the directive and we believe that we can do it. If we want to discipline our constituents it should start first with the local leaders,” he said.
Año also tasked DILG-Bacolod to monitor the accomplishment of the barangays and its report will be submitted to the regional office. (MAP)