The prolonged rains caused an overflowing water from the riverbanks. The January 25 rain is really an eye opener to the government and to all the community in Metro Cebu.

Days later,  the 2 city governments are on a rush to clean up rivers and creeks specially the Mahiga creek which each side belongs to other city.  Last January 28, 2011 the Cebu City demolition team started to hammer down structures built along Mahiga Creek that caught the attention of Mandaue City government to initiate a consultation between the informal settlers.

The consultation held in San Roque Parish Gymnasium was attended by nearly a thousand creek dwellers in Barangay Subangdaku.  Facilitated by Emmanuel Arong head of Housing and Urban Development Office, government officials including representatives from PCUP,  Brgy. Captain Ernie Manatad of Subangdaku, Councilor  Demetrio Cortes Jr., PCUP Asst. Director Paz Torlao and Rev. Fr. Rolyn Vics, CM the parish priest of San Roque Parish, and representatives from Philiipine Action for Community-led Shelter Initiatives, Inc. (PACSII) including Engr. Noel Zeta among others.

Officials addressed affected residents’s in a forum moderated by Paz Torlao.

Relocation or Financial Aid

Arong made a clear reminder to the listener that a process mandated under the Urban Development and Housing Act will be followed that a 30-day demolition notice will be served.


He also added that a 6.5 hectare is under negotiation for relocation site in Brgy. Paknaan that can accommodate 1,200 households. 

Engr. Noel Zeta (PACSII) also presented to the assembly their proposal for on-site development that can accommodate approximately 150 houses.   The area has a total of 4,925 square-meter in Sitio Mahayag near the Makro store. 

But the 2 proposed relocation sites could not accommodate the total danger zone dwellers that comprised of 2,630 households according to HUDO survey.

Financial assistance is an alternative which is equivalent to 60 days’ wages using the mandated minimum wages Arong said.

The law prohibits structures within three meters from a river, but thousands of structures lined up along rivers and other waterways in the cities.

Jessica Rojas of Sitio Mahusay said that she is willing that her housed be demolished but she is asking for a relocation site and if there’s a possibility she want the relocation site like the LTHAI houses.

Genaro Rote of Sitio Nawanao said that they are not against the demolition but as of the moment the creek must be cleaned through mud and garbage extraction.