Jonas holds office in Umapad

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday worked at the Umapad barangay Hall to fulfill his promise to bring the government closer to the people.

Working with the mayor was barangay captain Nelson Rubio.

Cortes told residents residing along danger zone in the barangay financial assistance would be extended to them and that a relocation site has been provided by the city government for those who would be evicted.

Rubio said residents living near the danger zone in the barangay have indicated their wish to relocate to the 6.5-hectare Paknaan relocation site but are also hesitant to do so after hearing word they will be made to pay P30,000 before they can transfer to the site.

But the mayor refuted the allegation saying that instead of paying P30,000 the city government would give them P17,000 each as assistance, which they can use as down payment when they transfer to the site.

For those who do not wish to move to the relocation site can keep the money for themselves, he said.

Barangay Umapad is the first barangay where Cortes has held office.

The mayor is expected to hold office in other barangays in the next few days. (FREEMAN)