Noy tasks Roxas to lead relocation of informal settlers

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas to immediately lead the relocation of informal settlers living in danger and high-risk areas to decent housing sites, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President has issued Memorandum Order No. 57, which mandates Roxas to spearhead the transfer of informal settler families and pave the way for the clearing of clogged waterways.

"The Administration's thrust is to prioritize their safety (informal settler families) in properly reassigning their residential locations after clearing the clogged waterways of our cities; and guarantee their protection and well-being in this exercise by ensuring proper coordination among government agencies concerned," the memorandum order said.

In order to pursue the directive, the Department of Interior and Local Government shall coordinate with local government units, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, National Housing Authority, and other relevant government agencies.

Monthly allowance

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto called for an automatic enrollment in the government's conditional cash transfer (CCT) program for those who will be moved from flood-prone and other danger zones.

Recto said this would prevent resettled Metro Manila estero residents from returning to their old dangerous dwellings.

But under his proposal, Recto set a condition that the relocated families can only receive the monthly stipend for as long as they stay put in their new homes.

"Among the poor, the homeless are the poorest, so if CCT is meant for those who have the least, then they are the ones who must get it first," Recto said.

For those who will be moved away from flood-prone and other danger zones, Recto said a one-time relocation allowance might not be enough.

"If we want an assistance that will help them get back on their feet, it must be of the sustained kind, like what the CCT provides. If we want them to put down roots fast in their new community, CCT can help in this 'anchoring,'" Recto said.