Demolition threatens families in F. Ramos Ext.

Cecilia Abendan, 60, cries as she sits in front of her shanty on F. Ramos Ext. in Barangay Capitol Site because of the impending demolition of illegal structures in the area.
(CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

For 60-year-old widow Celia Abendan, knowing that she will soon  lose the place she calls home is heartbreaking.

Abendan ’s shanty was among the 30 structures along F. Ramos Ext. in barangay Capitol Site scheduled for demolition yesterday.

However, the demolition was postponed as the relocation site for the affected families is not yet ready.

“I don’t know where to go.  I have children here in the city but I promised my late husband that I will not live with them.  I am sad because this house was built by my husband,” said Abendan in Cebuano.

Abendan has been living on F. Ramos Ext. for 52 years.  Two years ago, her husband died. She now lives with  two dogs for company.

She said ordinarily, she worries about her next meal.  But now, what scares her more is losing her home.

Erwin Manuel Guanzon, barangay captain of Capitol Site, said  the demolition will push through if there is a relocation site for the affected residents.

Guanzon said the site will be utilized by the owners of Baseline for a high-rise building they will be constructing.

Councilor Margot Osmeña and lawyer Collin Rosell, chief of  the city’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), visited the area for a dialog with the residents.

During the regular session last Wednesday, Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon urged the council to postpone  the demolition until the Cebu city government can provide a relocation site and financial assistance to the affected families.