Ocon looks into woes of Cugman settlers

THE City Council committee on urban and rural poor chaired by Councilor Zaldy Ocon is looking into the concern of Cugman settlers regarding the lot they are occupying.

The Power learned that the houses/structures on the lot located at Zone 2 Barangay Cugman will be demolished to give way to the drainage construction that will soon be implemented in the area.

During the recent committee meeting, a representative of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the drainage is a project of the national government.

The order for the residents to vacate the area is pursuant to Department Order No.73 Series of 2014, he added.

Rubelyn Azarcon, a representative of the Cugman settlers, said that they have been residing in the area since 1980. The lot was reportedly purchased by the city government in 1987.

She informed the committee that recently they learned that instead of the drainage project, a Phoenix gasoline station will be built in the area.

According to the Office of the Building Official (OBO) the structures constructed by the settlers are only temporary with no building permit.

The Power learned that the demolition will affect eight to 13 families/households.

Ocon requested the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) and the City Engineer’s Office to conduct an ocular inspection in the area and to check if the affected families are qualified to be relocated. (SP/EF)