Olongapo orphanage wins case on land ownership

Olongapo City—Scores of orphans and displaced children stand to gain from the recent victory of an orphanage and rehabilitation center here in a four-year court battle over land ownership

Regional Trial Court Branch 72 has affirmed the August 15, 2003 judgment of Olongapo City MTC Branch 5 recognizing the rights of Boys Town and Girls Home, a non-government organization, to a 20-hectare lot at Purok Maliwakat, New Cabalan, and this City. Its lawyer, Oscar Karaan, represents the NGO.

Boys Town and Girls Home was established in 1964 for orphaned and displaced children, mainly for abandoned Amerasians but has been accommodating all children in need of a place to stay in recent years.

“This is a welcome development says Milagros M. Venegas, a member of the Board of Directors of Boys Town and Girls Home.” Now, the children will have enough space conductive for their mental, physical, spiritual growth.”

Some 35 families who built houses and structures in the disputed area were offered relocation sites but refused on several occasions and opted to go to court.

“Most of the structures are permanent materials and the occupants even own cars. Evidently, the occupants are well off and are not homeless poor as they portray themsel