Fire victims get housing materials

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government thru the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) has distributed housing materials to fire victims of Barangay Carreta.

At least 56 families, whose houses were gutted by the recent fire in the area, were able to get the materials needed to rebuild their homes.

The city’s news and information team reported that each family received 10 sheets of G.I. and another 10 sheets of plywood. Those whose houses were partially damaged were given five sheets each.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia, who is currently the acting mayor, took the time out to meet with the informal settlers in Barangay Tejero whose houses are due for demolition. The informal settlers are occupying a private property.

The vice mayor distributed relief goods to some 122 residents in sitio Sampaguita. The goods include rice, canned goods, and other grocery items.

Garcia said, the city government is also doing its best to provide homes for the homeless. Garcia said his committee on housing is closely working with Mayor Michael Rama to address the housing problem of the city residents.

“Usahay bitaw mangita ta’g yuta gusto gyud ta naas tunga sa siyudad sa Sugbo. Unya tagpila man ang kada metro kwadrado moabot man 50, usa ka gatos mil kada metro kwadrado. Unsa may buhaton karon sa kagamhanan, mangita mi’g yuta nga barato-barato kay para dako ang makit-ang yuta kay para ma relocate ang atong mga kaigsoonan. Asa man ta mangita, Ayala? SM? So, naa gyud sa kabukirang bahin sa atong siyudad sa Sugbo,” Garcia explained.

Regardless, Garcia advised the families affected by the impending demolition to aim for permanent homes.

“Ngano man? Para makatug ta’g maayo nga ugma damlag naa gihapon atong balay, naa gihapon atong yuta… Ato gyud ning hatagan og prayoridad nga kitay tag-iya sa balay ug atong luna. Ngano man? Inig mawa na ta sa kalibotan unsa man ang ibilin nato sa atong mga anak? Di ba atong yuta ug balay?” Garcia said.

“Importante kaayo atong i-prayoridad atong pagpuyo sa atong kaugalingong balay ug yuta para pud ni sa atong kaugmaon sa atong mga anak, atong mga apo,” he added.

Garcia promised to extend help to the affected families avail of Pag-ibig housing loans.

“Akoy motawag sa Pag-ibig…Pag-ibig tan-awa diri ang yuta kung pwede ba ni’ nga ilang mapalit kay para mainyoha. Ayaw og salig pirmi sa gobiyerno. Ang gobiyerno mopagawas og kwarta para ninyo, naa mi kanunay, pero di man nato maato tanan. Kinahanglan naa gyud moy mabuhat sa inyoha,” added Garcia. —/FPL (FREEMAN)