1,000 Residents To Vacate Anytime

About 1,000 informal settlers occupying the lot owned by the University of the Philippines (UP) – Cebu in Barangay Lahug have been advised to look for another place to live because the university will use the property to expand its campus.

Two huge billboards were put up near the UP Campus along Gorordo Avenue announcing that the university has informed the concerned families of the plan.

“This is to reiterate in writing once more that you are occupying a property without permission from the UP administration. You can be evicted anytime after the requisite legal and due process is complied by the university,” the announcement reads.

“This means you may be asked to vacate anytime by the university. Thus with the implementation of campus development plans as envisioned in the UP centennial development plans, you are hereby asked to desist from introducing further improvement on your structure, stores, shops and other infrastructure,” the announcement reads further.

While some of the houses were constructed inside the UP property for residential purposes, there are others, particularly those situated beside the road, that are being used for commercial purposes.

“Forceful action against those who build and new structure, expand houses, put up new businesses and whatever endeavors that will stall our efforts toward the development of the place,” the announcement also reads.

It was announced that a new high school building will be built in the area fronting Lahug Elementary High School.

The UP-Cebu compound along Gorordo Avenue has 18.3 hectares, but the school administration has failed to prevent the entry of about 1,000 informal settlers into its property several years ago.

In a recent audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the UP lot is now occupied by the “urban rich” squatters, who had put up commercial establishments.