Gov. Taliño-Mendoza to Capitol informal settlers: “What’s not ours will never be ours”

“What’s not ours will never be ours”. 
This was the emphatic statement of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza in her message to the informal settlers at the Amas Capitol site during the turn over and inauguration of the Serbisyong Totoo Village at Barangay West Patadon, Matalam last August 8, 2012.

As part of its delivery of Serbisyong Totoo, the provincial government of Cotabato granted ninety eight (98) titled lots, each with a land area of one 120 sq.m to qualified beneficiaries who were formerly informal settlers at the Amas capitol site. These beneficiaries will soon transfer to Barangay West Patadon, Matalam to build their new homes. Out of the 98 qualified households, 9 have signed a memorandum of agreement with the governor on the same day.

According to Ralph Ryan Rafael, Focal Person for informal settlers at the capitol site, the cost of the two-hectare land and rehabilitation expenses which includes road networks, electrification, water system, fencing, and titling have now reached more or less PhP5M. All these were funded by the provincial government.

Governor Taliño-Mendoza said that Amas is not just a capitol site but an agro-forestry reservation area, pointing out that the land is owned by the government. She added that the provincial government of Cotabato has the capacity to help but the people must also help the government.

The governor also stressed that the relocation will be closely monitored. “Since this is a Moslem area, it doesn’t mean that the place is not safe to live in.  Let us not be scared of each other because of our race or our beliefs. We must always unite as Cotabatenos”, the governor concluded.

It can be recalled that 2 months ago, after announcing the compulsory evacuation of informal settlers, tricycle operators and small store owners operating inside the capitol compound doubted if they can still continue doing business in the capitol compound.

The governor responded by declaring that existing tricycle operators and small store owners inside the capitol may still operate inside the capitol compound provided that they cooperate in maintaining the cleanliness of the area and as long as they will guard the capitol against theft and illegal operations.

In the same turn-over ceremony, Matalam Vice Mayor Cheryl V. Catamco welcomed the new residents of Barangay West Patadon. “We feel delighted that there will be new residents here in Matalam. This is another sign of genuine service from our Governor. As you transfer here, may this village remain as a symbol of her love and care for all the Cotabatenos”, Catamco  said.

Mr. Alberto P. Cachero, Sr., one of the beneficiaries who signed the memorandum of agreement at West Patadon expressed his excitement as well. “Of all the governors, only Gov. Taliño-Mendoza showed true love for us”, he said with misty eyes as he acknowledged such wonderful present from the governor.

Also present during the turn over ceremony were department heads and staff of the provincial offices, Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Housing Authority, Cotabato Police Provincial Director Cornelio R. Salinas, Board Members Jose I. Tejada, Irene Claire Pagal and Noel M. Baynosa, the local officials of Kidapawan City and Matalam, and the Barangay Officials of Amas and West Patadon.

The blessing of the Serbisyong Totoo Village at West Patadon was officiated by Rev. Fr. Antonio C. Lupiba, DCK of Amas Quasi Parish. sgjh