Families affected by an impending demolition at a private lot in Barangay 1, Dagupan City have been given 15 days to move to their new locations. 

"Kailangan na kasi ito ng may-ari; private ito. [Dapat] after 15 days wala na sila. Naghahanap na sila ng mga tirahan para makalipat na," Cristina Santos, a councilwoman, said.

The landowner did not grant an interview but the barangay assured the owner will provide assistance to the residents affected.

At least 23 houses are scheduled to be demolished, some of which stood on the property for at least 10 years. 

The Tuliao family is among those affected. The family admitted it is difficult to leave a place that saw the birth of family members. 

The family acknowledged, however, that the land does not belong to them.

"Talagang mahirap kasi dito na ipinanganak ang mga anak ko, dito na ipinanganak ang mister. Kusang mahirap kaya lang wala tayong magagawa, [dahil] lupa nila ito, ibibigay natin," Aracely Tuliao, a resident, said.

"Hindi okay sa amin pero kailangan na talagang lumipat kasi kukunin na ng may-ari ang lupa. Naghahanap na rin kami kung saan kami lilipat, ganun talaga. Sila ang may-ari ng lupa kaya aalis kami," Rolando Maramba, another affected resident, said.

Some residents have started packing their belongings while others have started dismantling their homes personally. 

Mayor Belen Fernandez has directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office to prepare emergency shelter assistance for the families affected.

"Nagbigay tayo ng direktiba sa ating City Social Welfare and Development Office na ihanda ang emergency shelter assistance upang tulungan silang makalipat ng tirahan…” the mayor said in a post on Facebook.