By Mae Singuay

At least 30 informal settler families (ISFs) in Bacolod City’s Barangay 12 have been assured of a relocation site, as the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) ratified the deed of absolute sale of a private property.

During their regular session on Wednesday, February 14, the SP ratified the agreement signed between Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Del Rio Realty and Development of Bacolod Inc.

Secretary to the mayor, Karol Joseph Chiu, said the affected ISFs will now have their relocation site in Barangay Granada, which is adjacent to an existing relocation site in Barangay Vista Alegre.

The city government purchased the 179,087 square meter property, with a total value of P268,630,500, through loan proceeds.

Chiu said that the first to benefit from the new relocation site will be ISFs from Barangay 12.

He claimed that the property was not just for a housing program.

The ISFs have yet to demolish their structure as the developer has yet to start the fencing for the development project.

The project is in relation to the 40-year term lease agreement in the 16,875 square meter property between the city government and a property developer.

Earlier, the affected ISFs demanded a relocation site despite the city government offered them a housing project, claiming they could not afford the monthly amortization.

City Legal Office head Romeo Carlos Ting, Jr. said there are no more available lots in Barangay Vista Alegre to be used as a relocation site./MS, WDJ