Cebu City gov't eyes housing project for Badjao community in Inayawan

Local

THE Cebu City government is considering a housing project for the Badjao community displaced by the March 2 fire in Sitio Naba, Barangay Mambaling, with potential support from Malaysia.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said the city is exploring the use of disaster funds for the relocation but may also seek assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA) or private donors.

“Nagpahimo na ko ug cost estimates ana sa atong DEPW. What we can do is, since disaster-related mani and it is also allowed by law, we can charge it to the disaster funds,” Garcia said on Monday, March 24.

“The relocation of the fire victims is a local government project and initiative. Although we have another option—we can ask the National Housing Authority to come in, and sila nay mogasto,” he added.

Garcia mentioned that the Malaysian government has expressed willingness to contribute housing units as part of a goodwill initiative.

The plan includes up to 400 housing units, with 100 financed by the city and 300 possibly funded by Malaysia. However, discussions on the project’s terms and total cost are still ongoing.

According to reports, Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of Task Force Pabahay, said the city identified a five-hectare site in Barangay Inayawan for relocation.

The property was reverted to government ownership in 2021 and is being evaluated as a long-term settlement area.

Guardo noted that the location aligns with the Badjao’s preference for coastal living.

“It is still a submerged area, which suits their way of life,” he said.

The plan will be presented to the mayor for approval before moving forward with relocation efforts.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) estimates that 195 families—around 875 individuals—are currently staying at the Viking Gym evacuation site.

The long-term relocation project aims to accommodate more than 400 families.

Moreover, Garcia mentioned that Malaysia has shown interest in supporting Cebu City in other infrastructure projects, including dam construction and heritage conservation. Talks are ongoing, with the possibility of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) being explored.

“It can also be 100 units from the Cebu City government and 300 units from Malaysia. Depende gihapon sa among masabutan sa Malaysian, but this will not cost much kay very light materials mani,” he said.

Task Force Pabahay has formed working groups to study the legal and environmental aspects of the project.

The city is also looking into sustainable housing designs that incorporate wastewater treatment facilities similar to projects in Indonesia.

Garcia further said the city aims to complete the relocation within his first term, though the timeline will depend on finalizing funding agreements with Malaysia and other partners.(TGP)