Cebu City Distributes P30K Cash Aid to 81 Families Displaced by Court-Ordered Demolition
The Cebu City Government has taken decisive action to support 81 families who lost their homes following a court-mandated demolition in Barangay Calamba. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, city officials gathered at City Hall to distribute crucial cash assistance, providing immediate relief to residents grappling with displacement.
Immediate Financial Support for Affected Families
Each of the 81 affected families received P30,060 in direct cash assistance during the distribution event. This substantial amount is specifically designated to help cover urgent necessities including:
- Essential food supplies and daily provisions
- Temporary shelter arrangements
- Basic household items and personal supplies
The financial support aims to provide stability as these families navigate the challenging transition period following their forced relocation.
Government Leadership and Legal Framework
The distribution was managed by the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), with Mayor Nestor Archival and DWUP Officer-in-Charge Marie Joan Loreto leading the initiative. They were joined by Councilor Paul Labra and Calamba Barangay Captain Ester Concha, demonstrating a coordinated government response to the crisis.
The demolition occurred on privately owned property with legitimate land titles. Property owners and their heirs pursued legal action for years before obtaining a final court order requiring the local government to execute the demolition. Under the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), the city is legally obligated to provide assistance when residents are displaced.
"Since there is currently no relocation site ready for these families, the city provided the cash aid instead, as required by law," explained Marie Joan Loreto, highlighting the legal basis for the financial assistance program.
Beyond Immediate Relief: Long-Term Solutions
While the cash assistance addresses immediate needs, city officials emphasized their commitment to developing more permanent solutions for the displaced residents. Mayor Archival made it clear that the government's responsibility extends beyond temporary financial support.
"We are still looking for possible relocation sites and are taking steps toward more long-term housing solutions," Mayor Archival stated in a Saturday announcement, underscoring the city's ongoing efforts to secure sustainable housing for affected families.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter Begins
The cash distribution marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal battle over the Calamba property, but for the 81 displaced families, it represents the beginning of a challenging rebuilding process. The Cebu City Government continues to actively search for suitable land where these residents can eventually establish permanent homes and achieve lasting stability.
This comprehensive response demonstrates how local governments can balance legal obligations with humanitarian concerns, providing both immediate relief and planning for sustainable long-term solutions for displaced urban communities.
