BACOLOD City – After several years of being occupied by unauthorized individuals, the city government here has officially regained possession of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation building in Barangay 16, following a clearing operation conducted on July 8.
This came after City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu issued a notice to vacate on July 2, ordering all illegal occupants within and around the SK building to voluntarily leave and remove their belongings within five days upon receipt of the notice.
On July 8, the City Enforcement Team from the City Legal Office (CLO), led by Executive Assistant Levy Pangue, proceeded with the demolition and clearing operation, successfully removing unauthorized structures and reclaiming the government-owned property.
According to CLO records, more than a hundred individuals were affected, not only within the SK building but also along nearby roads in the barangay, where similar notices were served.
Chiu stated that the reclaimed SK building may now be offered to government agencies in need of office space, such as the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), among others.
He added that the General Services Office (GSO) is currently assessing the condition of the SK building to determine if there are any structural damages and to see whether further repairs are needed before it can be reassigned.
Pangue noted that the operation was carried out peacefully, restoring safe and open access to the area for the youth and the broader community.
“This is part of our ongoing effort to ensure public spaces remain clear, safe, and accessible for everyone,” Pangue said.
He added that the next phase of the city’s clearing initiative includes working with the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) to remove traffic obstructions in the vicinity, in a bid to improve mobility and public safety.
The CLO continues to urge the public to cooperate with clearing operations as Bacolod steps up its efforts to reclaim public spaces for the benefit of all Bacolodnons./PN
