Caritas Village Housing Project

The group of volunteers, priests and the Social Action Center Coordinator of the Diocese of Dumaguete, Rev. Fr. Burton Villarmente, have expressed concern over the reported presence of informal illegal settlers in some portions of the land for the Caritas Village Housing Project for tropical storm "Sendong" victims in the city.

One of the volunteers reported that a shanty was built in the area by people who claimed they were victims of the flood spurred by "Sendong" last December. They later found out that this family did not seek permission either from the city government or from the Social Action Center to construct a house at the said site.

Fr. Villarmente suggested that this illegal settler should not be allowed to stay in the area because they will cause disturbance during the construction of the houses. They are also afraid that if they will allow illegal settlers to stay, they might also invite relatives to come and live in the area.

They are closely coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the verification and evaluation of the bonafide recipients, said Fr. Villarmente. Some of those who claimed to be typhoon victims were actually evacuees coming from the town of Mabinay and Bais City, he said.

At present, the core group is now requesting the office of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to conduct a survey and staking of markers for the areas where the next unit will be built. It is important that there will be a clear survey for the area so that the builders can properly be guided.

Rev. Fr. Antonio Arnaiz, who is also a member of the core group, said once the area is surveyed and markers are in place, these will discourage illegal settlers to occupy the area. The area is still susceptible for illegal settlers because it is still in the process of clearing.

Fr. Burton also suggested that Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria should also be informed of the situation in the area because the project is a partnership between the city government and the Roman Catholic Church.

The Caritas Village Housing Project is funded by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and implemented through the Social Action Center and the Diocese of Dumaguete. Each of the housing unit has at least a budget of P40,000 to P45,000 that already included a dirty kitchen and toilet.