The Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center (SAC) is presently looking to schedule a meeting between Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), who occupied National Housing Authority (NHA) units intended for active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) last month in Bacolod City’s Barangay Felisa, and the city government.

SAC head, Rev. Fr. Chris Gonzales, previously facilitated a meeting between the group of informal settlers and Bacolod City lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya, which ended with the lawmaker agreeing to review who has actually settled in the area, along with looking into the contractors of the project.

However, a second meeting has been requested, which will include Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and representatives from NHA, AFP, and PNP.

“We are looking for a schedule with the mayor,” Gonzales said, noting, they are coordinating with the mayor’s office every day.

When asked if Kadamay intended to re-occupy the housing project, Gonzales said he is unable to confirm the group’s plans.

Last month, informal settlers converged on the area and camped out in front of houses in the residential project, which is comprised of 1,498 homes across a 10-hectare area of land.

Kadamay-Negros Occidental Secretary-General Ereneo Luminos cited Joint Resolution No. 2, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May, claiming informal settlers are entitled to unoccupied units constructed by the NHA.

Senator Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito, meanwhile, stated the units cannot be given away since they have already been awarded. However, he noted, if the intended recipients choose to waive their right to the unit, NHA will provide the residence to a “qualified” beneficiary.

Ejercito also clarified, housing is “not free” as there is a P300 monthly amortization assessed because occupants are expected to have the capacity to pay P2,000 a month to landlords.

The said amortization will then be used to further finance other developments./DGB, WDJ