BACOLOD City – In Barangay 12, Purok Malipayon, a demolition of over 50 houses is scheduled in anticipation of a rehabilitation project by a private firm set to commence next year.
The exact number of homes to be demolished is still under assessment by the City Engineering Office (CEO), which is conducting a structural survey in the area.
Punong Barangay Ely Alcantara Jr. is advocating for the affected residents, requesting more time for the demolition process due to ongoing classes.
“We appeal to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to consider the residents’ situation, as the sudden notice coincides with the school term,” said Alcantara.
Alcantara Jr. emphasized that while they are not opposed to the city’s development, they are requesting a reasonable preparation period, ideally six months, preferably coinciding with the end of the school year.
A recent meeting between the community leaders, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI), the City Legal Office (CLO), and the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) revealed plans for the demolition to take place next month.
This announcement came as a surprise to the residents, who initially believed that only the Manokan Country and the Vendor’s Plaza were targeted, not residential areas.
Alcantara Jr. acknowledged that the affected properties are situated on a government-owned lot. Mayor Benitez confirmed that a small portion of the area, adjacent to a lot under the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the National Housing Authority (NHA), will be impacted by the demolition.
To address the displacement of residents, Mayor Benitez highlighted the Yuhum Housing program, aimed at providing permanent homes for Informal Settler Families (ISFs). He encouraged those affected by the demolition to apply for this program.
SPHI has recently entered into a lease agreement with the city for the 16,875-square meter government-owned lot across from the SM City mall, marking the beginning of this extensive development project./PN
