KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE
THE decades-old deadlock between the local government and military over who should rightfully occupy Banana Village is finally over.
The former army reservation, which has served as dwelling of civilian families after being vacated by the soldiers in the late 80’s, is officially reverted back to the local government.
The Philippine Army, which has asserted ownership over the place, has agreed to accept the 7.8-hectare lot in Butadon in exchange for the contested Banana Village.
Last Aug. 19, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the LGU and the military was signed, stipulating, among others, that the military shall cease claiming rights over Banana village while the LGU commits to provide an alternate lot, electric connection and opening of a road network in the proposed alternate lot.
This development came about after Mayor Benjie Baguio exerted efforts to persuade military authorities under Gen. Victor Ebrado to agree on a land swap.
The local chief executive and the military agreed that the village ceased to be fit for military purposes as the place has already been urbanized and populated mostly by civilians at present.
The Municipal Development Council likewise realigned P1.7-million of the P13.9-million 2009 Municipal Development Fund to pay for the lot swapped to the contested area.
The idea of a land swap started during the term of former mayor Benny Baguio, the incumbent mayor’s father.
The Banana village was proclaimed an army reservation in 1950’s. Then, there were only four civilian families residing in the area but at present, more than 200 households live in the area.
REPORT BY MARS MARATA
THE decades-old deadlock between the local government and military over who should rightfully occupy Banana Village is finally over.
The former army reservation, which has served as dwelling of civilian families after being vacated by the soldiers in the late 80’s, is officially reverted back to the local government.
The Philippine Army, which has asserted ownership over the place, has agreed to accept the 7.8-hectare lot in Butadon in exchange for the contested Banana Village.
Last Aug. 19, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the LGU and the military was signed, stipulating, among others, that the military shall cease claiming rights over Banana village while the LGU commits to provide an alternate lot, electric connection and opening of a road network in the proposed alternate lot.
This development came about after Mayor Benjie Baguio exerted efforts to persuade military authorities under Gen. Victor Ebrado to agree on a land swap.
The local chief executive and the military agreed that the village ceased to be fit for military purposes as the place has already been urbanized and populated mostly by civilians at present.
The Municipal Development Council likewise realigned P1.7-million of the P13.9-million 2009 Municipal Development Fund to pay for the lot swapped to the contested area.
The idea of a land swap started during the term of former mayor Benny Baguio, the incumbent mayor’s father.
The Banana village was proclaimed an army reservation in 1950’s. Then, there were only four civilian families residing in the area but at present, more than 200 households live in the area.
REPORT BY MARS MARATA