CEBU, Philippines - The families affected by the clearing operation at the Mahiga Creek received yesterday P10,000 each as livelihood assistance from the Cebu City government.
The assistance distributed to the 30 families affected in the restoration of the three-meter easement zone last year was part of the P10 million livelihood fund appropriated by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.
The amount will also empower the affected families to find a decent place to stay.
Through Executive Order 11-20, the mayor created a fund management committee which formulated the guidelines for the release of the assistance.
The livelihood fund shall also benefit other residents who will be affected by the restoration of the three-meter easement zone in other areas within Cebu City. However, Mahiga settlers are the priority.
Residents who have to vacate a danger area due to possible landslides will also be accommodated.
The Department of Social Welfare and Services facilitated the selection of the eligible beneficiaries.
Rama wants to restore the three-meter easement zone in all rivers and creeks of Cebu City to clear the rivers and creeks of illegal structures that is causing it, among other factors, to overflow.
The city government began with the clearing of illegal structures in Mahiga Creek where the residents, with the help of Pagtambayayong Foundation Inc., sued the mayor. The case is still pending in court.
Rama said that the residents are better situated now than before. The residents’ stalls were relocated nearby. A softdrink company helped them build temporary stalls. – (FREEMAN)