Over 16 structures set for demolition are seen to affect at least 30 families in Jaro District, Iloilo City.

The Iloilo City Government has set the demolition of the said structures in Barangay Desamparados for the construction of Jaro Big Market and the rehabilitation of Dungon Creek.

One of houses affected is owned by one Marina Hachuela.

Hachuela said she does not know exactly where to go with children, attending school in Barangay Desamparados, in tow.

Affected families received financial assistance worth P10,000 from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iloilo City last August 12, 2025. However, she said, the amount is not enough to build a shelter for them.

“Kung sabagay, ano ang P10,000 kung i-grocery at ipambili ng bigas? Wala na yan. Ang hinihingi lang namin na kung maaari ay mabigyan kami ng dalawang buwan upang mag-stable ang aming problema kasama ang aking mga estudyante (anak),” Hachuela said.

According to Angeline Obapial, councilwoman of Barangay Desamparados, there are three relocation sites prepared by the LGU for the affected residents. These are in Barangays Sambag and Lanit in Jaro, and Barangay Calumpang in the District of Molo.

Tents for the temporary shelter of displaced residents are prepared at the gymnasium while they are on a transition to their new location.

“Sa ngayon nagliligpit sila ng mga mapakinabangan pa kung sakaling magpagawa na sila. Tapos, padadalhan rin kami ng portable na CR at open rin ang barangay hall,” Obapial said.

According to the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, the demolition is in line with the city’s green program on public spaces.

It was learned that residents were already informed in 2024 of the plan and that other residents have earlier moved to the relocation site, particularly in Barangay Sambag.

“Actually sinimulan na ‘yan last year. Nag-umpisa sa 19 na pamilya na ni-relocate sa Sambag,” Reste Marion Martizano, an environmental planner, and operations head of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office.

But according to residents, they were only assigned of their lot at the relocation site last July 19, 2025, which makes building a house challenging.