MEMBERS of the Negros Vendors Homeless Association (NVHA) are calling on Mayor Monico Puentevella to intervene in the construction of a big business establishment that will lead to the possible relocation of at least 65 houses in a six-hectare property owned by the Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF) at Zone 4, Barangay Handumanan in Bacolod City.
In a press conference yesterday, NVHA president Haydee Sebastian said the barangay council continues to ignore their concerns thus, they are now seeking for the mayor’s immediate intervention.
The association is asking the city government to expropriate the property with a pledge that they will pay the amount within 10 years or P750 per month like of the collection scheme made by the NEDF.
The area where the affected houses and stalls are located will only be used as parking lot of the establishment, Sebastian lamented, adding that most of the residents are just small vendors with no other sources of livelihood.
Moreover, the Barangay Council of Handumanan on Wednesday approved a resolution favorably endorsing the construction of the said business establishment after five of the members voted in support of the private development.
Kagawad Carmelo Miles Bravo, who abstained in the voting, said he supports the move of the residents calling on the city government to expropriate the property.
He further claimed that there was a “hocus focus” made by some of his fellow barangay officials in terms of granting favorable endorsement to the project without giving considerations to the affected residents.
Handumanan punong barangay Ma. Febe Legaspi cannot be reached for comment as of press time.
The association has sought the help of the Sangguniang Panlungsod last month in their intent to continuously occupy the lot even if their one-year contract with the lot owner has expired.
Former City Legal Officer Rayfrando Diaz II had earlier said that it is not the business of the city government to meddle in a private affair.
The city cannot intervene since the property is privately owned and it can only assist through financial aid during their relocation, Diaz noted. (EPN)