By Mae Singuay

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bacolod City Engineering District is requesting the assistance of the local government for the relocation of 97 informal settler families (ISFs) affected by the agency’s projects to be implemented this year.

The 97 ISFs were from barangays Singcang-Airport, Mansilingan, Taculing, 2, 3, and 40.

Projects included floodwalls, drainage systems, road rehabilitation, and others.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Urban Poor, Housing and Resettlement conducted a hearing concerning a letter by City District Engineer Abraham Villareal asking for assistance.

Gonzales said the Bacolod Housing Authority has already conducted an assessment for 97 ISFs.

However, not all are qualified, particularly families living under one roof, which is counted as only one.

Bacolod is eyeing the construction of an estimated 10,000 housing units for informal settlers./MS, WDJ