KAUSWAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE (22 May 2020) – The local government unit here distributed 81 sq.m. lots to 77 families under the Kauswagan Tacub Relocation Project. The distribution of Deeds of Usufruct for the families was headed by municipal mayor Rommel Arnado and witnessed by Sangguniang Bayan members and LGU personnel.
In a simple turnover ceremony in the municipal hall, Arnado told the beneficiaries that this project is part of the priority agenda of his administration in ensuring families are safe from disaster and their basic rights are protected. The priority beneficiaries are those currently living in areas categorized as ‘red zones’ by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) who may be affected by possible storm surge. In addition, included in the priority list are those families evicted by landowners in relation to any ejectment case.
The beneficiaries cheered after Arnado announced that they will be provided with residential lots by the local government.
“Kining proyekto alang gyud kaninyo aron mahilayo kamo sa delikadong lugar. Kining yuta para gyud ninyo ug gihatag kini sa atong gobyerno,” said Arnado.
(This project is for you so that you will be relocated from danger zones. This lot is for you given to you by the government.)
Arnado added that the families are not allowed to lease the lots until such time that deeds of donation are provided to them. The usufruct agreement allows families to take temporary ownership of the land, after which, deeds of donation will be provided by the LGU. The families may undertake ownership activities including survey and titling of the occupied portion after five years.
Marcial Tingal, 62 years old, a laborer from Purok 6 in Tacub, expressed his appreciation to the government.
“Daku kaayo akong pasalamat sa gobyerno ug kang Mayor Arnado nga naapil gyud ko niining proyekto. Daku kaayong tabang kini sa among pamilya,” said Tingal.
(I am thankful to the government and to Mayor Arnado that I was included in this project. This is a very big help for my family.)
Another beneficiary, Marciana Natinga, could not believe that she would become a lot owner at her age.
“Nakapanag iya na gyud intawon ko ug yuta. Akong ning balayan. Daghan kaayong salamat kang Mayor ug sa munisipyo nga gitagaan ko nila aning grasya,” said Natinga.
(I am finally a landowner. I will build a house there. I am thankful to the Mayor and the government for giving me this blessing.)
Tacub Barangay Captain Melanie Aviles, who helped facilitate today’s distribution, became emotional hearing the responses of the beneficiaries. Aviles assisted Arnado and the Sangguniang Bayan in making this project a reality.
The relocation project commenced in 2014 and this is the third batch of families provided with residential lots by the LGU.
The initiative is fully supported by LGU personnel and the Sangguniang Bayan. Also present in today’s event were SB members Alice Pala, Desiderio Ayuno, Koko Manangolo, Alde Tan, Rudy Dura, Aga Dimakuta, and SK Federated President Marjune Carballo.
