The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) together with the Municipal Local Government of Sulop ensured that project affected persons (PAP’s) received just compensation and other assistance during the implementation of the “Rehabilitation of Waterfall-Osmeña FMR with PSCG Bridge” sub-project.

Prior to the implementation of the sub-project, DA-PRDP through the Social and Environmental Safeguards Unit and the Sulop Municipal Local Government conducted a series of consultations and negotiations with the barangay officials and project affected  persons of the subproject. Their discussions focused on the overview of DA-PRDP sub-project, road right of way, just compensation, and DA-PRDP’s grievance redress mechanism (GRM).

According to Municipal Project Development Officer Richard Say-a, the municipal government ensured that all PAP’s would receive just compensation for the properties affected by the road construction.

“The LGU negotiated with the affected landowners regarding their affected structures, crops, livelihood, and trees,” said Say-a. “Based on these negotiations, the  Municipality of Sulop prepared compensation packages for the affected owners.”

They also made sure that affected residents would not only be relocated but would also receive financial assistance to help them adjust to their new residences.

“Based on the assessment of the structures from the municipal assessors and division planning office, the valuation of the structure is more or less P6,000-P10,000 only because the structures were made of light materials only. But because the local government wanted to help, the affected homeowners were given P20,000 each,” added Saya.

Out of eight (8) identified PAP’s, five (5) households were relocated to a much safer location away from identified landslide prone areas. 

Genny Jorga, whose house was damaged during the start of road construction, was able to acquire her own lot after she received a land certification for her new settlement.

“When they began construction on this road, our house and our small backyard piggery was damaged,” said Jorga. “As compensation, they gave us P20,000.00 and gave us our own lot to transfer to.”

Genny Jorga was one of the recipients of certification of awards for a 96 meters lot. “We are very thankful because we finally acquired our own lot,” said Jorga. “This 96 meter lot is a big improvement from our former 40 meter property.”

Aileen Paotan’s is another PAP whose pig pen and small gasoline selling stall were also affected at the start of road construction. She also received cash assistance from MLGU of Sulop.

“Our Sulop LGU made an agreement with us to give P20,000 for our affected properties. We received the cash assistance before the start of road construction because they gave us four days to clear the road,” said Paotan.

The peaceful relationship of the contractor and the members of the community helps in the smooth implementation of the project. The barangay officials as well as the residents of Barangay Waterfall continue to assist in monitoring the on-going road construction. (Joy Montecalvo, PSO Min)