Tent City occupants could leave now if they have jobs

CEBU, Philippines - With their stay at the South Road Properties (SRP) Tent City already expiring next month, Tacloban City typhoon survivors who have found work were told that they have the option to continue living there or already live elsewhere.

A private group, on the other hand, has expressed interest in providing livelihood trainings to those who are still unemployed so they could find jobs before they have to go on March 23.

Tent City in-charge Vic Jay Gonzal, also a Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chapter administrator, said the survivors are allowed to leave the facility and live and stay for good in Cebu City if they can secure jobs here.

“Three months sila diri, but as long as stable na sila o naa na sila’y kapuy-an diri sa (and they have a place to stay in) Cebu, because most of them have been traumatized and di na gusto mobalik sa (they do not want to go back to) Tacloban, pwede na sila mobiya diri (they can now leave),” he said.

Gonzal said they have yet to discuss with the Cebu City Government the survivors’ fate after March 23, which is exactly three months since they occupied the Tent City last Dec. 23.

The 54 families, comprising 192 individuals, have been informed beforehand that their stay at the Tent City is only temporary.

“Pag-ari nila (When they came in the Tent City, they already knew na (that it is for only) three months ra sila diri. During our meeting with them gahapon (yesterday), they said nagtigom pa sila para sa panahon na mo-end na ilang stay diri, naa na sila’y enough pundo (they are still saving so that when their stay ends, they have enough to tide them through),” Gonzal said.

He said 32 of the survivors have already secured jobs in Cebu City as workers in restaurants and shopping malls.

He also said the group that wanted to have the survivors undergo training is currently talking with companies and other organizations for sponsorship so they could already start within the month.

The PRC, on the other hand, is also looking at what it could give the survivors once they exit the Tent City.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tacloban City has already listed down the names of survivors in the Tent City for their possible transfer back home, should there be relocation sites already available for them.

Donors continue to give provisions to the Tent City occupants, the latest of which is the Japanese Association of Cebu, which distributed mattresses, hygiene kits, and toys, among others, last Sunday.

Gonzal said they are also looking into improving the living condition in the Tent City, after water entered the tents following three consecutive days of rain brought by Basyang recently.

“Ato na nang gipangitaan og solusyon  (We are now looking for a solution),” he said.

Gonzal said the City Department of Social Welfare and Services and the IOM have provided tarpaulins and additional soil and limestone to elevate the tent flooring while they look for donors of gravel.— /RHM (FREEMAN)