Bacolod seeks DHSUD help to secure fire-hit lot

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The city government is coordinating with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to secure the 7,787-square-meter property in Barangay 27, which was razed by fire two weeks ago.

Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that a formal request is being finalized for DHSUD, which will coordinate with the Office of the President.

He explained that since the land is owned by the national government, a presidential proclamation is required before it can be used locally.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and DHSUD will jointly assess the property and submit their recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We’re hoping for a fast response from the Office of the President once all the documents are in order,” Gasataya said.

The land, formerly under the Philippine Alien Property Administration tied to the Department of Justice (DOJ) United States in the 1950s, is now titled to the Republic of the Philippines following the agency’s dissolution.

Clearing operations began Friday, led by Barangay 27 officials with support from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Engineering Office, and Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The cleanup was requested by the barangay council, headed by Captain Freeman Madalag, and fire victims, to make the area safe for eventual return and reconstruction.

In a recent dialogue, most of the displaced families said they preferred to return and rebuild on the same property.

While some residents have begun rebuilding, Gasataya said a 3.5-meter-wide emergency access path must be set aside to improve on the previously narrow footpaths.

Heavy equipment has been deployed to clear debris and remains of the burned structures.

Of the 290 displaced families, 124 are still sheltered at Mabini Elementary School, the designated evacuation center.

The blaze destroyed 141 houses, damaged one, and affected 148 renters and sharers across Puroks Acacia, Cheriza 1, and Cheriza 2.

The city is working with national agencies to resolve ownership issues before long-term resettlement can proceed.

The fire broke out around midnight on Sept. 12, reportedly due to electrical arcing in a rented home.

Days later, the male tenant of the house was arrested in a drug bust in Barangay 30.