FORTY-THREE families from a sitio in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, have begun constructing makeshift shelters at the North Reclamation Area (NRA) after being displaced by a court-ordered demolition last month.
The affected residents, who formerly lived in Sitio Laray Holy Name, were forced to leave their homes after losing a civil case filed by the private owners of the lot they had occupied, the Cebu City Public Information Office reported on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has allowed the families to temporarily settle on Block 27, a road lot owned by the City Government at the NRA, while they search for permanent housing.
Ronald Anthony Librando, head of the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), said the families were granted free use of the lot but were limited to constructing shelters using light materials.
DWUP has recorded the names of the settlers and is closely monitoring the site.
The City Government is also set to purchase a one-hectare property in Barangay Pit-os, which will serve as the families’ permanent relocation site.
“We will offer it to them for their permanent relocation,” Librando said in a text message on Tuesday, May 6.
Librando added that the families will sign an undertaking allowing them to stay on Block 27 for six months to one year.
Each family will also receive P30,000 in financial assistance from the City Government.
Librando said the aid is part of the City’s effort to support marginalized communities and find long-term solutions for informal settlers. (JPS)