BAUKO, Mtn. Province – The supposed construction of the Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center in Bauko is on hold pending the settlement of a claim over the proposed site.
This was learned during the consultation conducted at the municipal grounds in a bid to settle the impasse and get a go-signal for the procurement process.
The funds in the amount of P65 million has been provided for in this year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the national government and is already at the regional office of the Department of Health.
“The construction work could be now be started but the land claim is affecting the process,” said Atty. Veronica de Jesus, the representative of the regional office of the Department of Health.
“We require the proof of ownership of the site”, she continued referring the site where the Drug Rehabilitation Center facilities is to be constructed.
The Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital has in its name a 6.5 lot property within the vicinity of the hospital and is allotted as the site of the Drug Rehabilitation Facilities.but a certain Salvador Bernadez is claiming of ownership over one (1) hectare of the said property.
In a letter to Provincial Assessor Marjorie Kiat-ong dated July 29, 2016, claimant through his lawyer requested for the correction or rectification of the area of the land covered the tax declaration of the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital (LHMRH) alleging that it overlapped with the land of Salvador Bernardez which is also covered by a mere tax declaration.
It was learned that the tax declaration of Bernardez was claimed to have been issued way back in 1961 but it was noted by technical people that the area is also covered by the approved lot plan of the LHMRH.
During the consultation conducted on September 16, 2016 at the Municipal Town Hall grounds, Bernardez or his representative did not show up to shed light on the concerns.
Others in attendance were members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Bauko, the barangay officials of poblacion and Abatan, officers of LHMRH led by Dr. Glenn Mathew Baggao, and interested members of the community.
Representatives of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PENRO) led by Octavio Cuanso, Provincial Legal Office, and the Provincial and Municipal Assessors Offices were also present.
The participants, in the presence of Congressman Maximo Dalog and Mayor Abraham Akilit, agreed to convince Bernardez to reconsider his claim in favor of the common good.
A group that included all the members of the local legislative body, Bararagay Captain Manuel Moling, and Manny Aluyen were tasked to confer with Salvador Bernardez within five (5) days. There is no update yet as of press time.
Dr.Baggao cited that there were no opposition or manifestations of problems during the conduct of previous consultations in the past so why did the adverse claim surface only now?
Congressman Dalog said that there is no improvement of Bernardez, not even a fence or plants.
The declaration of Bernardez indicate a cogon land but the proposed site is full of pine tree.
He cited the benefits, supported by those in attendance, that the establishment of the Drug Rehabilitation Center would usher in development to the province and the town and will benefit tthe people including those in nearby areas like the Ilocos region.
Further, employment opportunities for technical and other personnel would benefit local residents and that the local economy would get a big boost.
“We will use the indigenous way of finding a solution to the problem but if not successful we will use legal means,” Dalog added.
Meanwhile, he echoed his fears and of those in attendance of the possible backlash if the ownership over the property will not be solved. The funds might be reverted and might be used elsewhere.
“We may kiss the opportunity of hosting the regional drug rehabilitation center good bye if the issue not cleared”, he ended.**Roger Sacyaten
