Smokey Mountain gets P1 M from Villar

In a move to improve the quality of life of Smokey Mountain residents in Tondo, Manila, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar donated P1 million for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated low-cost housing buildings in the area.

During a visit to the former landfill with officers of the Couples’ For Christ (CFC), Villar, president of the newly-formed "Lady Legislators’ of the 12th Congress" expressed concern over the inadequate living condition of the poor families living in the dilapidated government-funded buildings.

"The living conditions in the area is very unfortunate. Mga butas-butas na ang bubong at naliligo ang mga residente doon kapag umuulan," Villar said.

The building aisles are also occupied with a number of families who were not given units making their conditions vulnerable to health problems.

Villar bared that there are about six two-story buildings in Smokey Mountain and each building, housing more than 80 families will cost P1 million for rehabilitation and repair works.

Recently, residents abandoned a building near a new mountain of garbage for health reasons and to avoid another Payatas trash-slide tragedy.

In addition, Villar and the Couples’ For Christ vowed to continue providing Smokey Mountain residents especially the women with livelihood skills training program to uplift their quality of life.

"Aside from the rehabilitation financial assistance, we at the CFC will continue to champion the welfare of the women sector especially those living beyond poverty line," Villar said.