Davao del Sur Breaks Ground on Relocation Site for 120 Landless Families
In a significant step toward enhancing housing security and community safety, Vice Governor Marc Cagas led the groundbreaking ceremony for a two-hectare relocation site in Barangay Malabang, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This initiative, purchased by the provincial government for ₱1.8 million, is set to provide new home lots for 120 landless families who were previously residing in high-risk areas prone to landslides and flooding.
Addressing Housing Insecurity and Safety Concerns
The event underscores the provincial government's commitment to offering stable living conditions for residents facing landlessness, living along road rights of way, or in dangerous zones. Beneficiaries include landless residents of Malabang, such as tenants on large estates or those in perilous locations like riverbanks and landslide-prone slopes. This effort aligns with local and national housing policies aimed at mitigating such risks.
Strict Guidelines to Ensure Direct Benefits
Under the guidelines for the relocation site, beneficiaries must meet basic residency requirements endorsed by the barangay and adhere to conditions set by the provincial government. Key rules include:
- Lands cannot be sold to prevent speculation.
- Homes must be constructed on the lots to encourage development.
- Properties must serve as primary residences to avoid absentee ownership.
Vice Governor Cagas emphasized the importance of compliance, stating in a local dialect that if families follow the association's rules and build their homes, they will eventually own the lots. He highlighted the goal of securing certificates to prove ownership once requirements are met, naming the site Dodong Cagas Village to foster community pride.
Part of a Broader Housing Strategy
This relocation initiative is part of a broader housing strategy in the Philippines, guided by Republic Act 7279, the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992. The law mandates local government units, in coordination with the National Housing Authority, to provide relocation sites and basic services for families in danger areas. Currently, the provincial government has purchased 91 relocation sites across Davao del Sur, benefiting 9,818 families in municipalities such as Digos, Bansalan, and Matanao.
Importance of Relocation for Disaster Risk Reduction
Relocation plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction, especially as climate change increases the frequency of weather events like floods and landslides. By moving families from hazard-prone areas, this initiative helps reduce vulnerability and improve safety. For the residents of Barangay Malabang, the transfer of land ownership represents a personal milestone and a path to greater stability, enabling them to build safe homes, enhance their quality of life, and strengthen community security.
Research indicates that access to land and relocation programs can help families escape unsafe conditions, reduce disaster risks, and potentially improve access to employment and social services, particularly when sites are located near job opportunities and community resources. This groundbreaking marks a proactive step in fulfilling the government's housing strategy, making safe and secure land available to low-income residents who otherwise lack legal property claims.
