By: Niño Macapinlac and Krisha Sinaban
ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA—More than 150 families in Purok 5 Sandra Street, Sto. Rosario, tagged as informal settlers, were ordered to vacate their houses on January 31.
The property owner issued an order that the settlers should either self-demolish their houses or be forced to leave the area at the end of the month. However, the residents lamented about the upcoming demolition.
“Balu mi naman pu na palakwan danakami keni, dati pu sabi da keng pa pung Mayo[the demolition], ngeni pu buri da agad agad. Keng tutu mu pin pu kanyan, ala ke pang ayayadya,” as stated by Josefina Pineda, a 23-year resident of the place, when asked about their preparation for the relocation.
The owner prepared a low-cost relocation site as compensation for the residents in Balik Barangay, Manibaug-Pasig, Porac, Pampanga, which the people termed “Baryung Penabi”, after their houses were demolished. Despite this, the residents have different concerns still.
“Malwat na kami pung manuknangan keni, anyang mikbung ya ing Pinatubo atchu na kami keni. Masakit yang lakwan uling keni ing kabyayan mi,” added Pineda, speaking on behalf of all the families in the place.
The habitants also stressed about their relocation site which they need to build from their expenses, and pay five-hundred pesos per month for 15 years to formally own the place. “Mabayat ya pu keng bulsa ita lalu na ena man makanita ka-katas ing sweldu mi.”
They were also concerned that the demolition could affect the education of their children.“Pigaganakan mila pu kasi emi nala pu malyaring ilipat uling fourth grading na. Makalunus no man pu, aldo-aldo maranun lang magising, lalu na dudurut yapa ing dalan king Porac.”
The local government of Sto. Rosario vowed to find ways to help the residents. According to Renato Cosme, Barangay Chairman of Sto. Rosario, aside from their assistance in their relocation site, they will be providing school services for elementary students until the end of the academic year. Also, they will be helping all the families in their relocation proper.
The supposed cleared area will be used by the property owner, which will be turned into a commercial trading center.
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